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Thursday April 30, 2026 
6 September 2024
By Grahame Lynch
Shannon Welch, the lead Labor candidate for the Cammeraygal ward in the upcoming North Sydney Council election on September 14, has highlighted her commitment to public health, safety, and community well-being. Drawing on her experience as a retired ICU nurse and current councillor, Welch stated, “I have a unique perspective on public health, safety, and community well-being.”
During her two and a half years as a councillor, Welch has pushed for measures aimed at enhancing the safety of public spaces.
One of her key achievements includes “securing a plan to install new defibrillators in six local parks and run a CPR awareness campaign.”
Welch emphasised the importance of this initiative by sharing her experience of trying to resuscitate an individual at Primrose Park following a cardiac arrest, noting that “it’s only a matter of time before another happens. We need to be prepared.”
In addition to her work in public health, Welch holds several leadership positions, including chair of the Sustainable Transport Committee, board member at the Crows Nest Centre, and executive member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.
These roles reflect her broader focus on sustainability, social justice, and governance, she said.
Looking ahead, Welch has outlined her goals for the next term, which include advancing social justice by “promoting active lifestyles, supporting our cherished Stanton Library, and preserving our rich local heritage.”
She also aims to “improve sustainability by reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, enhancing biodiversity and tackling climate change.”
In terms of governance, Welch is committed to “promoting good governance through transparency in leadership, implementing robust governance frameworks and preventing governance failures like we saw in the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.”
Welch was elected to council in 2021 with the second highest ward vote, behind then mayor Jilly Gibson.