NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) General Secretary, Shaye Candish has announced her resignation due to family reasons.
Following more than 14 years at the NSWNMA, including a year as Assistant General Secretary and the past three years in the union’s top job, Ms Candish has delivered significant improvements to nurses, midwives and care workers through her passionate leadership and advocacy for the nursing and midwifery professions.
Notifying the union’s membership this week, Ms Candish said it had been an incredibly difficult decision to resign from her position, but one that was right for her and her family.
“The role of General Secretary is all consuming, and I’ve become more realistic about the time and support I need and want to give to my young family,” said Ms Candish.
“This union means so much to me, and I’m incredibly proud of the wins we’ve had and the outcomes we’ve delivered for our members.
“Alongside our 82,000 members, we have secured lasting improvements, from the commencement of nurse-to-patient ratios in NSW public hospitals, to coordinating our largest ever strikes for fair pay and launching a major industrial wage case, widespread bargaining campaigns in the private sector and historic pay increases in aged care.
“I would like to acknowledge Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites for his unwavering support, loyalty and friendship during my tenure. I am extremely proud of the powerful partnership we developed and the collective work we achieved together.”
NSWNMA President, O’Bray Smith, said the NSWNMA Council had accepted Ms Candish’s resignation with a heavy heart, but fully supported her decision to put her family first.
“Shaye has created the foundations for a progressive and innovative union that will continue to lead and grow the nursing and midwifery professions,” said Ms Smith.
“After accepting Shaye’s resignation, Council unanimously appointed Michael Whaites as the incoming General Secretary, and Katrina Bough as Assistant General Secretary. I’m excited to see what our union will achieve next with Michael and Katrina at the helm.”
“This new leadership team has my full support. I wholeheartedly believe they will do a tremendous job, and this union will go from strength to strength under their united leadership,” added Ms Candish.
NSWNMA incoming General Secretary, Michael Whaites, a nurse and midwife, who has 30 years’ experience advocating for nurses and midwives locally and abroad, said it had been an absolute privilege to work in partnership with Ms Candish over the past three years.
“Shaye’s commitment to the membership, her tenacity in taking on politicians and national employers, and her dedication to achieve change and advocate robustly for our professions, has been truly inspiring,” said Mr Whaites.
“I’m humbled the NSWNMA Council has put its faith in me. I am dedicated to continuing the fight to improve the lives of nurses, midwives and care workers, and for quality health and aged care systems for our communities, not only here in NSW, but also nationally and internationally.
“I look forward to working alongside Katrina Bough. Together, we remain focused on delivering positive outcomes for our members, and our professions more broadly.”
NSWNMA incoming Assistant General Secretary, Katrina Bough, said she was grateful for the endorsement and support of Shaye and Michael.
“I’m extremely honoured to have been directly appointed as Assistant General Secretary of the NSWNMA. I have had the benefit of working closely with Shaye and Michael over the past few years and I’m committed to building on the union’s shared vision,” said Ms Bough.
“Like Shaye, I have a clinical background in emergency nursing. I was an active union delegate for six years prior to joining the staff in 2020, where I have held various leadership and organising roles across the public, private, primary health, and aged care sectors.
“I am passionate about the difference our union makes, and I look forward to continuing our collective goal of improving the working lives of all nurses, midwives and care workers across the state.”
Michael Whaites and Katrina Bough will commence in their new roles at the Association from 1 January 2026.
