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I was going to write a ‘year in review’ article** for STRIDE, to round out what has been a memorable year for lots of reasons (many good, some frustrating). But I’d rather look towards next year and focus on you – what do you want out of next year?

Please share with me what matters to you in 2026? I’d love to know. My priorities for 2026 are two-fold: to have courage and keep learning.

Here’s my thought process. I am not a podiatrist, and yet I am CEO of the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA). Consequently I have much to learn. My history in running associations cushions this curve, yet every day I’m learning something new and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

So, yes, this year has been a positive learning curve, and certainly indicative of continued learning across the years ahead. (Sidenote: I couldn’t ask for better teachers. Podiatrists are some of the most hard-working, plain-talking, open-minded people I’ve met).

This is what I want to do more of in 2026: To show up with courage, even when it feels hard – in fact, especially when it feels hard. While resolutions may feel a little tokenistic, goals and priorities keep me accountable. They also keep me within the goalposts of the Australian Podiatry Association’s purpose: ‘Amazing Podiatry Always’. It is a courageous goal, and grounded APodA’s proudly human values.

We all know that, as podiatrists, you deserve the very best we can give, to be the best you can be – for the sake of the profession and the people you treat. After all podiatry can be everything: mobility, mental health, longevity, chronic disease prevention, community and connection to name a few. Even a simple foot health check is an underrated fast-track to vastly improve health and wellbeing I’m back in my favourite shoes, thanks to one such foot health check and my daily foot care routine.

Every day I pinch myself that I’m not in a job selling widgets (no disrespect to widget sellers out there) and that we at the APodA can play a role in supporting you to do what you do best. We don’t always get it right the first time, it’s not always perfect, and we will always be learning together – but this meaning and purpose is right up there with what matters in life.

So, have a good break ahead (and don’t forget to share your 2026 resolutions with me!)

Better together,
Hilary Shelton
CEO
Australian Podiatry Association

**Readers, if I were to write the article I originally had in mind it, to review the year that was, it would have included the following 2025 highlights as a starting point.

  • The launch of a new strategic plan – and values we practice daily
  • An amazing 2025 Australian Podiatry Conference on the Gold Coast
  • Improved governance and visibility when seeking new board members
  • Three board positions being filled, two of these with eager new directors, including the appointing of our new President Andy Cook
  • Renewed focus on risk management and impact investment
  • Expanded endorsement program with new robust criteria
  • Plenty of advocacy action with new connections being made (Parliament House, so many submissions, media activity, Podiatry Week – too many to mention here).
  • Podiatry WA merger is progressing well
  • A new role was created and filled to support our Special Interest Groups
  • And much more!

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