Peter is the CEO of Canteen, an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides free and tailored
support to young people aged 12 – 25 years, who are impacted by cancer. Peter has worked with young people for over 35 years across homelessness, mental health, community health, and now cancer. He was Deputy CEO at headspace and then, as a Director at Australian Healthcare Associates, he undertook evaluations of federal and state initiatives across organ and tissue donation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, mental health, disaster recovery and drug and alcohol.
Over the past 11 years Peter has worked with Canteen’s youth led board on the provision of our
internationally renowned Youth Cancer Services which provide specialist youth-specific treatment and support to young Australians requiring inpatient care. Canteen also funds clinical trials in high lethality
cancers, as well as peer support programs, psychosocial support and vocational support, including our robots program. In 2013 Canteen expanded into the digital realm through the creation of an online community for young people with online counselling. In 2022 Canteen partnered with Camp Quality and Redkite, to launch Cancer Hub, a single digital entry point for children, young people and families across Australia to online counselling and navigation.
A key feature of Canteen’s work has been our collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
organisations, hospitals, other charities, research institutions, departments and governments.
Canteen has a deep commitment to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples as
the traditional custodians of this land and to meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organisations
that are guided by their expertise.
Canteen has established the Young Adult Reconciliation Network
(YARN), our young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Isander leadership group who have been a powerful voice in shaping our Reconciliation Action Plans and our ongoing support to Indigenous young people.