Australian of the Year Awards

Working with the NSW Police in Forensic Services, Peter Baines is a leader in his field and was sent to Thailand after the Boxing Day tsunami. He worked identifying victims and returning bodies to their families. Seeing the many children orphaned by the tsunami Peter wanted to contribute in a more meaningful way, and so he founded the Hands Across the Water charity (HATWA). His first project was to fund the construction of an orphanage. Since then Peter has raised $2 million, built a second orphanage and purchased a rubber plantation to ensure a sustainable and regular income stream.

Peter believes that the funds donated to a charity should not be spent on marketing, administration and salaries, so 100 per cent of funds donated to HATWA go directly to assist the children and their community. Peter is now planning a tsunami-proof community centre and a charity bike ride to raise $500,000 for the children’s future needs. Peter is proof that a little help goes a long way.