Dear Fellow Presidents, Boards of the Member Associations and affiliated bodies,
  
At our board meeting on November 1st, I was elected as president of the Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC). I appreciate and value the confidence that the board of the APodC have placed in me by electing me as President and Chair.

I intend to hit the ground running and ensure the Australasian Podiatry Council delivers on its commitments to you, our Member Associations and the wider profession.

As President, I will work closely with the APodC Management Team to deliver proactive communications services, better issues management and improved professional services via strategic political lobbying.

At the beginning of my term, I would like to ask boards to put aside past struggles, past issues and past disappointments. Let us focus our energies on building future opportunities for our profession. There have been mistakes in the past and room for improvement in the operations of the APodC and, as I am sure you would identify, within your own organisations. "Let they who is without sin, cast the first stone."

What matters more is understanding we’re at the beginning of a process of once in a generation health care reforms and there are major opportunities for podiatry to work with the Government’s push to optimise Australian health care systems.

Now is the time for us to unite, work together towards greater opportunities for our profession. I believe this is a “green fields” opportunity which could deliver expanded scope of practice for all podiatrists. I again suggest we will need to work together more closely than we have done in the past to maximise the potential benefits.

Regarding consolidating the operations of APodC, I am specifically nominating communications with member associations, affiliated bodies and podiatrists as an APodC function that will be improved over the next three months. We need to be heard but equally we must listen to the voices of all those we deal with.

We must remember that the things that unite us as podiatrists are much greater than the things that divide us.

Any time you need to discuss a podiatry issue with me – anytime you want to consult me about podiatry issues – you can email me at president@apodc.com.au or phone me at work on 02 9673 2987. I am hoping to meet as many of you as possible over the next year.
Please understand that, like many of you, I have a young family that requires their father’s attention. I will always give your needs my attention and priority as required. I ask only that in return you understand my young family’s needs.

I look forward to working with you, my fellow APodC Board members and the APodC Management Team, to strengthen and deliver our agreed plans while moving our profession forward.

Kindest Regards

Brenden Brown

President
Australasian Podiatry Council