Canteen Australia

12/06/2026

From family days, ice skating and movie nights, to feeding cows and crafting - our Tassie community has been busy creating some incredible moments together. 💚

Programs like these are only possible thanks to our generous supporters, who help us to create welcoming spaces where young people can connect, have fun, and feel understood.

Thank you for making days like these possible.

11/06/2026

“Preparing a speech about how cancer affected my life, and having so many people hear it, was a transformative outlet.”

Through Canteen’s Leadership Program, Josh found a new way to process and share his experience of cancer.

What began as stepping outside his comfort zone grew into something life-changing.

“Ambassadorship showed me that the isolation and turmoil I went through could become something meaningful - an experience that connected me with others facing hardship.”

Canteen helps young people turn lived experience into connection, confidence, and purpose. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation. 😊💙
https://bit.ly/give-canteen

10/06/2026

Pete lost his wife Lauren to cancer in 2025. She was just 24 when diagnosed, and he was 25. During her treatment, Pete stepped away from his career as a new graduate optometrist to become her full time carer. Throughout that time, he was supported by a Canteen counsellor, saying they were "always there for support if you need them."

Since losing Lauren, Pete has been determined to give back. To honour her memory, he created custom hats, with Lauren's twin sister contributing to the design, and set out to raise $2,500 for Canteen.

We wanted to take a moment to share this beautiful tribute to Lauren and thank Pete for turning his loss into something that will help others. 💚

10/06/2026

City-Bay Fun Run 2026: Lace up, Adelaide!

Join Team Canteen and run (or walk!) to support young people impacted by cancer. Whether you're in it for fun with friends or chasing a PB, we can’t wait to see you at the start line this September!

🔗 Hit the link in our bio to sign up! 🌟

08/06/2026

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the signs, understand the risk factors, and have conversations that could save lives. Early detection matters - 99% of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully when detected at the earliest stage.

Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for Aussies aged 25-54. For many young people, a parent's bowel cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down. Others may be facing their own diagnosis. If cancer is impacting your life, Canteen is here to help. 💚

08/06/2026

“For the first time… I didn’t have to explain myself.”

Josh joined Canteen when he was 12, following in the footsteps of his sisters.

“I was introverted and nervous about meeting new people, but it was really good finding friends who shared an experience no one else understood.”

At a movie night, he found himself laughing with a group of boys, quoting internet memes and connecting in a way that felt easy.

For young people impacted by cancer, that feeling can be rare.

At Canteen we create spaces where they don’t have to explain their past because the people around them already understand.

And it only exists because of the generosity of our community.

💚 Please donate this tax time to help more young people like Josh feel less alone: https://bit.ly/give-canteen

05/06/2026

“I remember being pulled out of class… watching other kids play while I sat in waiting rooms.”

Josh survived cancer as a toddler. But the impact didn’t end when treatment did.

Growing up, he was often unwell. He missed school regularly. And over time, that absence turned into isolation - feeling separate from the friendships and routines other kids built so easily.

There were also moments where people didn’t understand.

One day, a school staff member told him to “stop faking it” and “stop wagging school.”

He wasn’t faking it. He was still living with the long-term effects of cancer.

This is the hidden cost of cancer, and no young person should have to navigate that alone. Donate today to help us support them. 💚

Make a tax-deductible donation this tax time and support young people impacted by cancer.

04/06/2026

🚨 Final Release now open!

Join Team Canteen at the Voltaren City2Surf and help support young Aussies impacted by cancer. 💚

Run, walk, jog, skip or crawl your way to Bondi, then celebrate with good vibes, high fives, music and goodies at the finish line. 🏃‍♀️🌊

Sign up before it's too late! ✨

The World's Largest Fun Run - The Voltaren City2Surf - will be back in Sydney on Sunday 9 August 2026. Bringing 90,000+ people together from all walks of life to run, jog, walk or stroll the iconic 14km course from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach. Save the date for another spectacular year as we celebrate...

02/06/2026

This is Josh.
Just a baby when he was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months old.

But the impact didn’t end when treatment did.

It stayed with him - through years of immune system issues, missed school, and trying to navigate being the “chronically sick” kid.

A cancer diagnosis can cost up to $1.3 million across a lifetime. And for young people, the long-term impact can shape their education, career, and future.

This is the hidden cost of cancer.

Canteen’s Education and Career Service helps young people get back on track - supporting them to return to study, re-enter work, and rebuild their confidence.

💚 Donate today to help more young people build a future beyond cancer:

Make a tax-deductible donation this tax time and support young people impacted by cancer.

01/06/2026

Hao was just 17 when her father was diagnosed with cancer. Alongside the emotional toll of his illness, she suddenly found herself taking on responsibilities no teenager should - spending days at the hospital, caring for her younger sisters and helping keep her family afloat, all while trying to stay on top of study and work.

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, the impact is felt across the whole family.

After losing her father, Hao says Canteen gave her something she hadn’t had in a long time: a safe space to stop holding everything in.

This Global Parents Day, we’re recognising the challenges families face when cancer impacts a parent - and reminding young people they don’t have to go through it alone. Through counselling, peer support, and education and career support services, Canteen helps young people process the impacts of cancer and rebuild confidence in their future. 💚