SARAH ETTER

Sarah is a social worker, sector leader and advocate with more than 15 years’ experience across the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector in Australia and the United States. Their career has spanned treatment services, justice settings, workforce development, policy, advocacy and systems reform, with a focus on improving outcomes for priority populations, particularly women and gender and sexuality diverse communities.

As a queer, non-binary person in long-term recovery from AOD use, Sarah brings to Penington both professional and lived expertise. They are passionate about ensuring that people affected by AOD use are treated with dignity, respect and compassion, and have access to high-quality healthcare, accurate information and meaningful opportunities to participate in their communities. Their advocacy is grounded in evidence, and the voices and experiences of people directly affected by AOD use.

At Penington Institute, Sarah leads special projects to support a skilled, inclusive, and responsive sector. Their areas of interest include lived and living experience leadership, trauma-informed practice, and health equity.

Sarah holds a Master of Social Work and is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.