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

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.

Image of Pillow Talk Makeover in Counselling Rooms

Canteen x Pillow Talk - Providing Comfort and Hope

Read about Canteen‘s partnership with Pillow Talk, who have made a commitment to providing comfort and support to our counselling spaces across Australia

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Canteen Australia Appoints New CEO

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

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.

a group of young men who are from a range of cultural backgrounds

Translated Cancer Resources

The Living with Cancer resource is now available in six additional languages, making this resource in cancer navigation more accessible for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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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