Mrs Dohnt was selected for the 2007 Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA), Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Program and she has just returned from a National Women’s Advance Leadership and Networking Workshop in Cairns, which was a continuation of the leadership program.

The program aims to make women, men and youth stronger leaders and support them to act on the issues facing their families and communities.

The program builds on indigenous people’s existing skills and strengths so they can take a leading role in building stronger families and securing a better future for their communities.

Mrs Dohnt travelled to Canberra, Perth and the Sunshine Coast to meet with indigenous women, men and youth from across Australia, to discuss national concerns.

The main issues were child abuse, domestic violence, repeated youth offending, indigenous social and emotional wellbeing, community Elder leaders, and community youth leaders.

Mrs Dohnt used the program to express her concerns about repeated youth offending in Port Lincoln and discussed issues with indigenous and non-indigenous community organisation supports in addressing community issues.

She also explained the role of South Australian Police Community Constables in the community and how she works with members of her community.

At the National Women’s Advance Leadership and Networking Workshop Mrs Dohnt was among more than 50 indigenous women discussing community issues around the justice system, repeat offending, family wellbeing and family violence, family history and environmental heritage, and other issues their communities faced.

Mrs Dohnt had the opportunity to discuss key community issues for Port Lincoln with Dr Jackie Huggins, who works closely with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.