A new NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) leadership has been elected that is focussed on winning better lives for nurses and midwives and their families, to improve the healthcare system for our communities, and to stand up for the professions of nursing and midwifery.
Introducing your new General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary
Shaye Candish
General Secretary
RN, Bachelor of Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate in Emergency Nursing
Shaye is a registered nurse of 14 years with post graduate qualifications in emergency nursing. Shaye proactively encourages the collective strength of unionism and has been an enthusiastic leader in organising strategies and campaign planning since starting with the NSWNMA in 2013.
Michael Whaites
Assistant General Secretary
RN (Dip), Midwife (Grad Dip) Masters of Adult Education
Michael is a registered nurse of 29 years and midwife of 26 years. He was an active workplace delegate at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he worked as a Clinical Midwifery Educator, prior to commencing at the NSWNMA in 2005. Between 2015 and 2019 Michael was also the Oceania Sub-regional Secretary for the global union federation, Public Services International.
“Michael and I take on the responsibility of leading this great union with pride, humility, energy, passion and dedication,” said Shaye Candish, NSWNMA General Secretary.
“Under our leadership the Association will give nurses and midwives a strong voice at the table where decisions are made – in forums, industrial tribunals and in state and national politics – so we can improve the lives of nurses, midwives, our patients and our communities.
“Every day you make a real and lasting contribution to society. It will be central to our work that you are recognised for it.”
“The key to our future success is the ongoing growth of our union; investment in our member leaders and an active membership with strong networks that are supported and resourced,” said Michael Whaites, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary.
“This will give us the strength and power to fight for stronger nursing and midwifery workforces and to confront the threats to our profession.
“Shaye and I are excited about the future of this union. We are determined that our members have an active role in shaping and improving their workplaces and that they have the opportunity reach their full potential as professionals.”
ANMF NSW Branch/NSWNMA Councillors
The new council met on 6 December 2022 to elect the President, Vice President and Executive Member positions.
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O’Bray Smith President, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, Midwife, Masters in Midwifery, Midwifery Manager-Intrapartum Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital |
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Lorna Scott Vice President, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, Midwife, NP, Grad Dip Independent Nursing Practice, WHN Cert, Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health, Lower Hunter Community Health |
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Michelle Cashman Executive Member, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, Long Jetty Community Health Centre |
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Edward Makepeace Executive Member, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, Cardiology CNC, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital |
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Liz McCall Executive Member, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, BHSc (Nursing), MHSc, Byron Central Hospital, Clinical Teacher, Southern Cross University |
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Kerry Rodgers Executive Member, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, Operating Theatre Certificate, MACN, MACORN, Nursing Unit Manager, Operating Suite, Nepean Hospital |
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Jill Telfer Executive Member, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association RN, Nurse Educator – Dialysis Services (Northern Sectors of HNE LHD), Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital |
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Sue White Executive Member, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Enrolled Nurse, Coffs Harbour Hospital |
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Wing Besilos RN, ICU, Westmead Hospital |
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Robyne Brown RN, Northern Beaches Hospital |
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Emma Gedge RM, Wollongong Hospital |
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Kate Goodman RN, Ryde Hospital |
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Paul Haines RN, CNS, Yass District Hospital and Registered Paramedic, Intensive Care (ACT) |
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Jocelyn Hofman RN, Bodington Aged Care Service |
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Lyn Hopper RN, BSC, IC Cert, MCN, CNS HITH |
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Diane Lang RN, South East Regional Hospital |
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Richard Noort RN, CNC Mental Health, Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Statewide Community Court Liaison Service |
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Meg Pendrick Enrolled Nurse, Gosford Hospital |
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Skye Romer Enrolled Nurse, Mental Health, SESLHD JCC |
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Michelle Straub RN, IC Cert, Masters Health Service Management, Nurse Manager, Balranald Multi-Purpose Service |
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Kristy Wilson RN, Nurse Unit Manager – Theatre, Day Surgery and CSSD, Griffith Base Hospital |
Congratulations to the newly elected and returning Councillors. Our new leadership team is united and committed to working towards a stronger future for nurses and midwives across all sectors, wherever members provide care to patients or residents. We look forward to growing our union and the active participation of members to effect change on the issues members face every day.