Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Join our 30th Bandanna Day!

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Cancer Hub

Helping families impacted by cancer (with children aged 0-25) more easily access support.

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Shop the latest designs for Bandanna Day's 30th Anniversary.

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Executive Director of Services talks about the Annual Report

Annual Report 2024

Join us as we reflect on a year of life-changing support and impact for young people facing cancer.

See it here

Find services, support & information

Cancer changes everything. We get it

For every $1 invested in Canteen programs, a social value of between $4.40 and $7.65 is estimated for the outcome delivered.

$99+

Million in Social Value

Over a 5-year period

24/7

Online Support

In our communities for young people and parents

More from Canteen Australia

Celebrating 30 Years of Bandanna Day

Read about the celebrations that happened across the country as Canteen reached the 30 year anniversary of National Bandanna Day.

Canteen Australia Appoints New CEO

Canteen are excited to share the news that Siona Hardy has been announced as the new CEO of Canteen.

health minister mark bulter speaking at the August 2024 cancer hub funding annoucement

The Next Chapter for Cancer Hub

Read the exciting news detailing the additional government funding which was granted to the Cancer Hub service.

Canteen calls for expanded access to personalised treatment

A critical gap in Australia’s cancer care system is leaving adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer aged 19-25 without access to potentially life-saving personalised medicine.

Breaking Ground in AYA Cancer Care: 6th Global Congress Announced!

Canteen Australia is pleased to announce the upcoming 6th Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress, taking place on 3-6 December 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

a group of 5 young people wearing bandannas

Impact Report 23/24

Read the 2023/24 Canteen Impact Report, which highlights the positive outcomes we have achieved for young people and families facing cancer.

people walking and talking as part of canteens five peaks challenge

A Mountain of Support: Thousands raise funds in Canteen’s inaugural Five Peaks Virtual Challenge

Thousands accepted the inaugural Five Peaks Virtual Challenge in March to raise funds for Canteen and young people facing the mountain that is cancer.

the attendees of the canteen youth leadership festival

Youth Leadership Festival 2024

Read about the highlights from the 2024 Canteen Youth Leadership Festival, in what was another inspiring and fun-filled event!

After 13 years of dedicated service Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025.

Farewell to Peter Orchard: A Legacy of Leadership at Canteen

After 13 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to young Australians impacted by cancer, Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025.

people at the AYA Global Cancer Congress in Melbourne

Building a Future of Ethics, Equity, and Emerging Ideas: Highlights from the 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress

December 2024 saw the AYA Global Cancer Congress take place in Melbourne, which saw people fly in from around Australia and the world for four packed days of workshops, exhibitions and presentations. Read about what took place!

Victorian Camp Program – April 2024

19 young people impacted by cancer attended our recent camp program on the Mornington Peninsula.

canteen staff during a NAIDOC week event

NAIDOC Week 2024

Read our round up NAIDOC Week 2024, where Canteen staff took part in a number of events across the country

Front and Centre: Canteen's Young Leaders

Youth Leadership plays a big role at Canteen. Watch the Youth Leadership video to learn about how our inspiring leaders are making a mark across the organisation.

Schools Burst with Colour for Bandanna Day

Read about the amazing fundrasing efforts of Chapel Hill State School as they raised over $3000 for young people impacted by cancer

Leyla, a person who is involved with Canteen's services and the recipient of a generous gift

Leyla’s Story

Read about how Leyla received a generous gift from a Canteen major gift supporter which enabled her to better manage her recovery from ovarian cancer.

Double Day Appeal Raises Over $109,000

In August 2025, Canteen ran a Double Day campaign, which saw Canteen raise more than $109,000, which equates to over 950 counselling sessions for young people impacted by cancer.

Delta goodrem with 3 canteen youth ambassadors

Delta meets Canteen Youth Ambassadors

Watch our video feature on how Delta Goodrem met with some of our inspiring Youth Ambassadors.

4 young people who are involved with canteen's youth cancer services

Reflecting on a year of growth, support and impact: Canteen Australia’s Annual Report

Read our 2025 Annual Report and discover the impact of your support - helping young people facing cancer through counselling, connection and tailored programs.

some people who have been through canteens education and career service

Education and Career service expanded

Canteen’s Education and Career Service has been expanded to support all young people impacted by cancer.

two young people who met via canteen's support services for young people impacted by cancer

Canteen’s 2025 end of year wrap

Nearly 32,000 support services delivered, strong outcomes, expanded programs, and national awareness initiatives helping young people navigate cancer with connection and care.

ABOUT CANTEEN

Canteen supports 12-25 year-olds dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one. Our services also now extend to parents, because when they cope better with cancer and communicate openly, their children are likely to experience less distress and anxiety.

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