Meet Peter Baines OAM
The foundation of my work today comes from more than 20 years working in the elite forensic area of the NSW Police, leading investigations into major crime and incidents. This would lead me into various international deployments in the field of crisis and disaster as the leader of national and international specialist teams. I would spend my final two years working on an international counterterrorism project based out of Lyon in France. I would leave all of that behind to focus on the growth of the charity Hands Across the Water, which I started in the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami to support Thai kids left without parents. I am the author of three books with the fourth currently underway. In December of 2024, I took on my most ambitious feat of running 1400kms in 26 days through the heat and humidity of Thailand averaging 60kms a day. I have been formally recognised by both the Australian and Thai Governments with the awarding of an Order of Australia Medal by the Australian government and the Thai equivalent from the King of Thailand. In 2025, I was identified by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand as one of the top five most influential Australians in Thailand.
My Why
Contextually, it has been about providing answers to questions. During my forensic career, those answers were to questions before courts, coroners and families during their most difficult times. Now, those answers are to kids and communities who benefit from the support I can provide.
My Accomplishments
✔ Founder and current Director of the charity Hands Across the Water, ✔ Hands has raised over $40m and provided supported 46 children through University ✔ In 2014 Received the Order of Australia Medal ✔ In 2016 Awarded The Fifth Class of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn awarded by the King of Thailand ✔ The first NSW Police Officer to be awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal and Australian National Medal. ✔ In December 2024, ran 1400kms from the north of Thailand to the south in 26 days averaging 60kms per day ✔ In 2025, I was identified by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand as one of the top five most influential Australians in Thailand
Fun facts
⬤ I obtained my helicopter pilots licence and love flying friends and family to destinations for boozy lunches - they drink, I fly. ⬤ With my wife, we have a farm in the Central West of NSW, and I find therapy on the back of my tractor slashing paddocks. ⬤ Love running through the bush during an Ultra Marathon. ⬤ Enjoy nothing more than sitting on the balcony of the house, watching the sun set with the kangaroos and cattle in the paddocks.
How I can help
Understanding the importance of leadership without authority
Accepting that what we are willing to do is more important than what we are capable of doing
Creating meaningful shared experiences that deepen relationships
Helping business transform CSR from a cost centre to a profit centre through shared value
Embracing the fact that some things are meant to be hard and that is where our true growth lies
More from Peter Baines OAM
Watch Peter Baines OAM in action ↗
Run to Remember ↗
In December of 2024, I took on the biggest challenge of my life, running 1400km over 26 days in the heat and humidity of Thailand. The Run to Remember was to acknowledge the 20 year anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami and the work done since that time with Hands Across the Water.
Peter Baines Showreel ↗
Combining storytelling and unique experiences, Peter's keynote presentations leave his audiences, moved and inspired.
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