After a productive time as general secretary, Shaye Candish is putting her focus back on her family. Plus news from Health Workforce Queensland and Healthdirect.
The needs of a young family have forced the resignation of Shaye Candish, the general secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, with her replacement starting in the role on 1 January 2026.
Notifying the union’s membership this week, Ms Candish said it had been an incredibly difficult decision, 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,” she said.
“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.”
Mr Whaites has been unanimously appointed as the incoming general secretary, and Katrina Bough as assistant general secretary.
“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.
Ms Bough said she was grateful for the endorsement and support of Ms Candish and Mr Whaites.
“I’m extremely honoured,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
New CEO for Health Workforce Queensland
Stewart Gordon, the current CEO of Murrumbidgee PHN in NSW, has been appointed as the new CEO of Health Workforce Queensland, effective from 5 January 2026.
Mr Gordon succeeds Chris Mitchell, who retired last month after 24 years in the role.
“Stewart’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for HWQ,” said Dr Ross Maxwell, chair of the HWQ Board.
“He brings extensive experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for people living in remote and rural Queensland.”
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It’s a return to the Sunshine State for the born-and-bred rural Queenslander.
Mr Gordon has held senior executive roles including CEO Murrumbidgee PHN – where he has been for almost 18 months – executive director of primary care and integration at Darling Downs West Moreton PHN (2023-2024) and executive director and district manager roles at Darling Downs and South West Hospital and Health Services (2012-2014).
A qualified lawyer with extensive governance experience, he will also serve as company secretary.
“I am honoured to lead an organisation with such a proud legacy of service, innovation and impact” Mr Gordon said.
“I look forward to working with the board, leadership team and staff to continue strengthening Queensland’s remote and rural health workforce.”
Healthdirect posts three more jobs
Medical director of Healthdirect Australia, Darran Foo, has posted job ads for three positions, with the transformation into 1800 MEDICARE in the new year rapidly approaching.
“It’s an exciting time at Healthdirect Australia as we continue to grow and gear up for the rollout of 1800 MEDICARE,” said Dr Foo on LinkedIn.
“You’ll be contributing to work that directly shapes the quality, safety, and experience of our national virtual care services – while getting involved in some genuinely innovative projects across digital health, virtual care, and AI.
“There’s plenty to do, meaningful problems to solve, and the chance to make real impact that reaches across Australia.”
The three positions up for grabs are medical advisor, nurse manager, and GP registrar (extended skills).