Baines, Peter

Peter Baines spent 22 years with the NSW Police leading teams in response to acts of terrorism and natural disasters on a scale not previously seen. As part of the leadership team that responded to Bali after the bombings in 2002 and then the Tsunami of 26 December, 2004 in South East Asia, Peter headed up multiple rotations into Thailand to help in the identification process of those who died. He was deeply touched by the number of children left orphaned by the disaster and was inspired to set up an organisation that could make a difference. In late 2005, Hands Across the Water was formed. Peter has received various awards including Australian of the Year NSW Finalist for 2010. He was the first NSW Police Officer to be awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal. He now speaks and advises many corporate organisations both nationally and internationally about leadership, and corporate social responsibility.;