IWD 2026: Refugee, long-term Geraldton resident May Doncon’s mission to champion women and female leadership

Geraldton mental health leader May Doncon says her experience of being a refugee was “life-changing” and shaped her into the woman she is today. The Iranian refugee said International Women’s Day, on Sunday March 8, served as an important reminder and opportunity to reflect on one’s achievements and successes. A Geraldton local of 23 years, Ms Doncon came to Australia in 1979 after her family fled Iran where the were persecuted for being part of a minority religious group. The mother of two said coming to Australia when she was just 11 years old was an experience she would always be grateful for and never take for granted. Ms Doncon, a prominent leader and advocate for women in the Mid West, said her personal experiences and family history, including her refugee origins, provided her with many life lessons. She was also inspired by and learnt from many others in the region. “It’s helped me not take things for granted. I have always been grateful for being in Australia, for having this community, and having all these opportunities,” she said. “It’s really given me a civic duty as well, to always give back to this community and to support those around me.” Now the manager of headspace Geraldton, Ms Doncon said she was passionate about helping women and the younger generation through their mental health journeys. “I like working with young people in particular. A lot of my employees and people I see really inspire me to grow my role and create a safe working space for everybody to learn, grow and achieve amazing things,” she said. Ms Doncon said she was always inspired by the community and local women to help and volunteer when she could, having been a volunteer firefighter for the past five years. Ms Doncon noted that all women no matter their background, experiences or profession faced barriers to some extent, whether they were obvious or not. For example, Ms Doncon said, many women shared the experience and challenges that came with being a working mother — trying to care for, and look after children while upholding work responsibilities. “In the Mid West and the broader regions, I think we need more female representation in leadership. I believe we need to establish opportunities for women to take up leadership, not be intimidated by it, and to have support and mentorship,” Ms Doncon said. “These things aren’t always available. Sometimes women are put into a leadership position but they don’t get the support they need before they burn out. “We need more encouragement, support and opportunity for our women and girls to have their place in leadership.”