Foot Centre Team
We look forward to helping you
About the Foot Centre Team
Dedicated to Helping Our Patients
Meet The Foot Centre’s podiatry and admin team. Over the years, our team has grown and evolved, with both new members and some familiar faces staying with us for many years.
Our hardworking podiatrists have a wealth of experience in treating a variety of foot conditions – from corns to ingrown toenails to complex foot pain – and are dedicated to providing quality care for all of our patients. And our administration team is made up of experienced professionals who are committed to helping us provide the best possible service.
Meet our team
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Alison Fitzgerald – Director
Alison is the owner of The Foot Centre and is passionate about providing the communities of North East Victoria and Southern NSW the best possible podiatric care. She has worked hard to become well connected with other health practitioners in the area to allow the best outcomes for the patients of The Foot Centre.
Alison has worked extensively in both public and private practice over the last 30 years and consequently has a lot of experience in all areas of podiatry.
She particularly enjoys helping novice and intermediate level “weekend warriors” work towards their fitness and exercise goals. She is a strong advocate for making physical activity part of your daily routine and is motivated to help get her patients back enjoying their chosen physical pursuit.
Lauren Whinray – Podiatrist
Graduating from Charles Sturt University in 2007, Lauren worked at The Foot Centre for 2 years before pursing her passion for managing and treating the High Risk Foot.
The Foot Centre obtained funding through the Primary Health Network so Wangaratta can have her expertise onsite on a Monday. This is an invaluable service and Lauren and her clients are achieving amazing results.
Lauren can be found in Benalla on Tuesdays and Wangaratta Mondays and every second Thursday.
When not saving limbs, Lauren loves spending time with her three kiddies, camp drafting and the outdoors.
Kim Newman – Podiatrist
Kim Newman is a Wangaratta local who joined The Foot Centre team in 2020. She completed her studies in Podiatry at Charles Sturt University and graduated in 2015. Since then she has worked in a private practice in Wodonga.
Kim enjoys all aspects of Podiatry and is always ready to tackle a new challenge – particularly when it comes to biomechanics and musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation.
In her spare time Kim enjoys spending time with her family and friends, keeping active and spoiling her two German Shepherds!
You will find Kim in Wangaratta Monday to Friday and Myrtleford every second Thursday.
Cassandra McKenzie – Podiatrist
Cassandra graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2011 and has worked in the Albury Wodonga region for the past decade.
Working in the private sector of podiatry and as a sessional educator at CSU University, Cassandra enjoys all aspects of Podiatry with a particular interest in chronic disease management.
Cassandra and her young family have recently relocated to Benalla where they are enjoying getting outdoors and exploring all that the region has to offer. Cassandra enjoys the outdoors, camping, walking and running when she gets the time.
You will find Cassandra in Benalla every Mondays and alternate Fridays and Wangaratta on alternate fridays.
Jo Direen – Office Manager
Jo joined The Foot Centre in 2014 as Receptionist in a part time capacity. Jo became the Office Manager in 2015 and has been excelling in the role ever since.
Jo works full time in the Wangaratta Clinic.
When not at work, Jo can found on the sidelines cheering her children on in their chosen sport or at the gym trying to outrun “old age”.
Shell Edward – Receptionist
Shell returned to The Foot Centre in 2020 after an absence of six years. She is happy to be back and to see lots of familiar faces.
Shell works in benalla Mondays Tuesdays and every second Fridays and Wangaratta on Thursdays
Shell is having fun putting the finishing touches on her forever home in Mansfield with her husband Chris.
Shell enjoys walking, camping and fishing. Once her house is completed she looks forward to creating her artwork once again
Jane Wachter – Receptionist
Jane returns to The Foot Centre after 12 years. She is enjoying reestablishing friendships with staff and clients alike.
Jane is the resident cook at The Foot Centre and we all look forward to Jane’s shifts.
When not at work Jane enjoys walking, gardening, cooking and spending time with her family including her puppy dog.
You will find Jane on Tuesdays in Wangaratta.
Briar Rodaughan – Receptionist
Briar is a local Lake Rowan girl who you will find on Reception (mainly) in Wangaratta.
Outside of work she loves playing netball, water skiing and hanging with friends.