After 13 years of dedicated service, Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025. On behalf of the Board, I want to express our deep gratitude for his unwavering commitment to young Australians impacted by cancer. Under his leadership, Canteen has grown into an industry-leading organisation, expanding its reach and impact in profound ways.
Peter’s tenure has been marked by significant milestones. In 2013, Canteen partnered with government to establish the internationally recognised Youth Cancer Services, ensuring specialist treatment and support for young cancer patients in hospitals across Australia. The launch of Canteen Connect in 2014 provided an innovative online community and professional counselling service, offering vital support to young people navigating cancer, whether through their own diagnosis or that of a family member.
(L) Peter with Minister for Health & Aged Care, Mark Butler. (R) Peter at the Global AYA Cancer Congress in December 2024.
Canteen has also played a global leadership role, led by Peter, co-founding the Global Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Congress, the premier international conference for youth cancer professionals. Our 6th Congress in Melbourne last year was a resounding success, welcoming nearly 500 delegates from 39 countries.
Peter has championed advancements in research, securing funding for AYA-specific clinical trials tackling some of the deadliest cancers. He also spearheaded initiatives such as vocational support programs and the introduction of telepresence Robots, helping young people stay connected to their education during treatment.
In recent years Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite partnered under the Child and Youth Cancer Alliance banner, to establish Cancer Hub, a groundbreaking collaborative which provides online navigation and counselling support to families with children 0-25 years right across Australia, who are dealing with a child’s or parent’s cancer diagnosis. At the same time, enormous progress has been made in Canteen’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their communities thanks to wonderful input from our Young Adult Reconciliation Network (YARN) of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and our supportive Elders and Aboriginal Consultants group.
Once again, we want to acknowledge Peter’s visionary leadership of the organisation and thank him for his great service to young people dealing with the enormous challenges that cancer brings. We look forward to building on his incredible legacy.
Dr Madeleine Way
Chair, Canteen Board
