Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

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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

Highlights from the 2025 National Youth Cancer Consumer Forum

In July, Canteen brought together 83 young cancer patients and survivors for the fourth annual National Youth Cancer Consumer Forum. Read about what took place!

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.

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!

young person using their phone to access canteen connect

Evaluating Canteen Connect

We surveyed young people who use Canteen Connect to understand what was working well and what we could improve.

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

group image of the people who attended the hawkesbury cultural immersion program

Connecting with Culture, Country and Community on a Canteen Program

Read about the latest Canteen program which took place at beautiful Deerubbin (Hawkesbury River) in Dharug Country.

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.

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!

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.

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.

members of the canteen reconciliation Young Adult Reconciliation Network

Canteen’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Final Report

Canteen is proud to share the final report from our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking the next step in our reconciliation journey.

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.

A group of Canteen youth ambassadors at Life Cycle in WA

Life Cycle 25 Year Anniversary

Relive the key moments from Life Cycle's 25 anniversary weekend in Western Australia. 3 days and 150 riders, all to support young people impacted by cancer.

From left to right: Camp Quality CEO Deb Thomas, Mark Butler MP, Cancer Australia CEO Dorothy Keefe, Canteen Australia CEO Peter Orchard, Redkite CEO Monique Keighery

Cancer Hub funding extended

We’re delighted that the Australian Government has today announced $9.4m in funding to enable us to continue delivering this vital service until 2027.

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.

image from a canteen event featuring young people

What a Year! Celebrating the Highlights of 2024

2024 was a big year at Canteen - read about all the highlights from the range of programs and events that went down!

two young people wearing bandannas and embracing

Youth Cancer Survivorship Research

Canteen is urging the Federal Government to allocate $11.9 million for a pioneering project to research the full extent of youth 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.

image of young people outside in the bush wearing canteen bandannas

Annual Report 2024

Read the 2024 Canteen Annual Report which as we reflect on a year of life-changing support and impact for young people facing cancer.

3 young people who received cancer care from Canteen Australia

Canteen responds to warning of the human crisis in cancer care

Canteen backs the new Lancet Oncology Commission calling for compassionate cancer care, including robust psychosocial support for young people.

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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