There are many stories that illustrate the power of purpose in podiatry – and the story of Footscape is no exception. Like most good stories, Footscape began with a question: How can podiatrists use their skills and networks to serve others who experience disadvantage?
Find out how you can become part of Footscape’s story – and help people who are experiencing disadvantage.
Footscape’s work reminds us podiatry is a powerful – and often unsung – positive change agent in people’s lives. The material aid donations that Footscape distribute provides a gateway to dignity, mobility, independence, longevity and health for countless people. This includes people experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and victims of domestic violence.
Footscape’s success is rooted in collaboration, to partner with health and welfare services across Australia and deliver aid where it’s needed most. For example, Cohealth Podiatry Homeless Service in Melbourne uses Footscape donations to support clients in the following ways. Here’s what they say about the difference these donations make.
“People that are homeless use their feet as their primary mode of transport – to get food, attend appointments, for exercise to reduce stress or even to keep warm when it’s cold. It’s not uncommon for clients to report walking 10 to 15 kilometres every day, which can put stress on their bodies, especially if carrying all of their possessions.
“Often our clients report their shoes getting stolen when they are asleep, so many wear their shoes all night, which can lead to bacterial infections – particularly if feet are wet. Footscape’s generous provision of high-quality second-hand shoes has greatly improved our ability to support these clients as they work to achieve their goals.
“For many clients this reduces their pain levels greatly and they are able to get back into walking. Others join our football team (Cohealth kangaroos) and use the runners for training – improving their health, self-esteem, building healthy friendships and learning skills such as anger management and working as a team. Without Footscape this would be impossible, and we are extremely grateful, as are our clients.”
Likewise, Boab Health Services in the Kimberley uses Foot Care Kits to engage clients in self-care with the benefits including – but also extending far beyond – foot health.
“The Foot Care Kits provide physical props to prompt conversation and get people actively involved in learning self foot care. People are always more engaged if they can see how it directly affects them, in this case, they can see how they can have some level of autonomy and impact on their foot health.
“In consults we will often demonstrate to people how to file and apply moisturiser and then have the patient repeat the process in the room. This opens up the space for clinical yarning where we can discuss different situations that may require action – such as finding a wound. This is where we can use the betadine and Band-Aids in the kits to educate on appropriate wound dressings and yarn about the risk of infection.
“In an environment where there is often a large level of mistrust, for good reason, of the dominant western health system, being able to open up a positive yarning experience with physical props builds trust and rapport which is the baseline for any meaningful work. This will then have a positive flow on effect for ongoing relationships and appointments in the future.”
Meet Anthony
Since graduating as a podiatrist from La Trobe University in 2000, Anthony has dedicated his career to serving marginalised populations across Australia and abroad. His experiences in India, Samoa, Kiribati, and Nauru revealed the devastating consequences of untreated foot pathology — and sparked a lifelong mission to make a difference.
Meet Footscape
Anthony’s mission became Footscape, a charity committed to improving foot health equity for vulnerable Australians through the power of material aid donations. From humble beginnings – storing donated shoes in his spare bedroom – Anthony has grown Footscape into a national operation to annually support thousands of individuals.
Today, Footscape distributes over 20,000 material aid items each year, including footwear, socks, foot care kits, and orthotic devices that promote foot health and well-being.
Anthony says, “The Australian Podiatry Association’s 2025 Podiatry Week theme — “From First Steps to Next Steps” — beautifully captures the journey of individuals who experience vulnerability and yet strive for foot health as a means to be more mobile and independent. Footscape walks alongside these people to offer not just aid – but dignity and empowerment.”
There is much work to be undertaken. Whether you’re a podiatrist who works in private practice, public health, or academia, there are countless ways to contribute:
Podiatrists and other supporters who would like to support this work are encouraged to to contact Footscape.
© Copyright 2021 The Australian Podiatry Association
Since graduating as a podiatrist from La Trobe University in 2000, Anthony has dedicated his career to serving marginalised populations across Australia and abroad. His experiences in India, Samoa, Kiribati, and Nauru revealed the devastating consequences of untreated foot pathology — and sparked a lifelong mission to make a difference.