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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Victorian Camp Program – April 2024

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

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.

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

Screenshots from Canteen's TikTok videos

Canteen Australia now on TikTok!

We're thrilled to announce that Canteen Australia is now on TikTok! This marks a significant milestone for us as we continue our mission to support young people when cancer turns their world upside down.

a picture a YAPS, a puppet which plays the role of a young person navigating cancer

You Are Not Alone: Patient Storytelling Through Song

Watch the music video made in collaboration between young cancer patients and Luke Escombe about the challenges that cancer brings to young lives.

Support Canteen Australia’s Christmas Appeal to raise $332,716 for young people impacted by cancer. Donate now to fund counselling and peer support programs.

Canteen launches appeal to ensure no teen grieves alone this Christmas

Support Canteen Australia’s Christmas Appeal to raise $332,716. Your gift today can help ensure that no young person impacted by cancer faces the festive season alone.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Partnering for Impact: The Lottery Office and Canteen Supporting NT Youth

Canteen are pleased to announce that we are the beneficiaries of an $80,000 commitment from The Lottery Office, which will allow more young people in the NT to have dedicated counselling support.

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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