Jodie Millroy helps to co-ordinate the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services’ Kimberley Foot Initiative, which is the first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) to provide podiatry services in the Kimberley region. There is so much rich material here to be learned – and initiatives that can be embedded into local communities, no matter the location.
Meet Jodie
Jodie Millroy is a passionate project coordinator committed to improving community health and wellbeing. Over the past three years, she has worked across diverse roles in population health, creating meaningful connections with people throughout the Kimberley region. Within Kimberley Foot Initiative Project and Hearing Health Program at Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service. Jodie promotes community-driven initiatives that prioritises multidisciplinary care and culturally respectful approaches. Her work focuses on collaboration and positive, sustainable outcomes. Outside of work, Jodie is inspired by storytelling, connection, and the belief that small, consistent actions can lead to lasting and beautiful change.
Effective podiatry care is not just about the work in the clinic. It is also about building understanding, connection and encouraging prevention.
Effective podiatry care is not just about the work in the clinic. It is also about building understanding, connection and encouraging prevention.
The Kimberley Foot Initiative (KFI) is a project delivered by Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), based in Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. KAMS is a member-based, regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS).
Guided by its vision that all Kimberley Aboriginal people are strong, healthy and connected, KAMS delivers comprehensive health and wellbeing outcomes in partnership with its eight Member Services, as well as Kimberley Renal Services (KRS), a wholly owned subsidiary.
The KFI team focuses on diabetes-related foot complications. Distances between communities in the Kimberley are massive, with some nearly a thousand kilometres from the nearest regional town. Rates of chronic conditions like diabetes remain higher than the national average.
KAMS is the first ACCHS in the Kimberley region to provide podiatry services, with a podiatrist embedded in the KFI team. This has enabled KAMS to work with its member services on foot health, and to extend podiatry services into KRS, where patients receive regular care. These consistent interactions help foster therapeutic relationships between the podiatrist and patients, allowing for a more holistic and community-centred approach to foot care. Working alongside the renal team also enables a multidisciplinary approach.
The KFI was established with funding from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. The team consists of a project coordinator, a health promotion officer, and a podiatrist. They bring podiatry and foot health education to five remote communities in the region, embodying the ACCHS Model of Care, in all aspects of the project.
The ACCHS Model of Care is underpinned by eight dimensions fundamental to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities. These dimensions reflect a holistic approach to health, emphasising not only physical care but also cultural, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Any disconnection from these dimensions can lead to an imbalance in health. The KFI recognises that its work must be culturally appropriate, accessible, and deeply connected to Country and community. To see the eight key dimensions, please refer to the attached resource.
For podiatrists, health promotion has not traditionally been a strong focus. The KFI has demonstrated that health promotion is not separate from podiatry – it is a crucial component. Like shoes and socks, they both have their own purpose, but together they provide the best result.
The KFI offers insights into how podiatry can expand its reach and impact. By including health promotion alongside clinical care, the team not only addresses foot complications but also provides opportunities for broader conversations and two-way learning between staff and patients. Health promotion supports deeper connections, new relationships, and empowerment in foot health.
Preventing diabetes-related foot complications depends not only on clinical care but also on patients’ knowledge and confidence.
KFI’s health promotion sessions have received strong engagement from participants of all ages. Feedback has shown that communities are eager to learn and are ready to take charge in managing their foot health. Sessions cover topics such as diabetes-related foot complications, the importance of footwear, lifestyle, and the link between foot health and self-care.
One of the KFI’s newer activities, Planted Steps, was developed to work alongside other health promotion initiatives already in place. Planted Steps encourages participants to increase their daily physical activity through plant care.
The activity involves painting a pot plant while engaging in informal discussions about foot health. It was first delivered at the Broome Renal Health Centre, where the podiatrist frequently provides clinical care. Participants reported that it was enjoyable and educational.
Planted Steps created a bridge between clinical encounters and community learning. Patients who had seen the podiatrist were able to receive similar messages in a supportive and relaxed group-based setting, while also forming new relationships with the KFI team.
During one Planted Steps session, a patient asked if the team had any chilli seeds. At first, this might have seemed like an ordinary question, but it carried deeper meaning. Broome is a multicultural town, and for many people, growing chillies is not just a hobby – it is embedded in lifestyle and culture. The discussion brought laughter and a shared cultural experience. One patient even commented: “This is better than being at home staring at four walls.” These small interactions show the power of trust, connection, and culturally relevant engagement in health promotion.
Podiatry care delivered within an ACCHS highlights the strength of community connection and trust, grounded in a holistic, client-led approach. Initiatives like Planted Steps combines clinical care and health promotion to shape a more meaningful the client experience. The KFI team is not just treating feet; they are walking alongside the people of the Kimberley toward better health.
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