Peter Baines was born in the western suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, in 1966. He attended his local high school and was repeatedly told, ‘Peter would achieve more if he paid more attention and spoke less’.

After completing year 12, Peter commenced an arts degree for no reason other than he got the required marks to do so. Shortly after starting university, he left to join the New South Wales Police Force and spent the next four-and-a-half years in general duties policing at the infamous Cabramatta police station.

In 1990, Peter found his true calling and commenced duties with the Forensic Services Group of the New South Wales police. He spent two years working as a crime scene investigator in Sydney and ten years working in Tamworth. It was there where he and his wife, Nicole, had three children, Lachlan, Kelsey and Jack. During this time, Peter also completed his university studies in forensic science and law.

In 2002, Peter proudly returned to Sydney to manage the very same office in which he had commenced his forensic career. Later that same year, the Bali bombings provided Peter with his first opportunity to step into the arena of international crisis management.

In 2004, his leadership skills were called upon again in response to the Boxing Day tsunami. Peter spent three months in Thailand, leading Australian and international deployments responsible for identifying and repatriating tsunami victims. In 2006, he was awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal in recognition for his work.

But it was the work in Thailand that brought the biggest change. In response to the needs of the children left without a home or parents he would form Hands Across the Water and commence fundraising in Australia to build them a home. Ten years after starting the charity he now spends much of his time helping other charity leaders through The Growth Project and advises business on how they can and indeed should benefit from their engagement with their community partners through corporate social responsibility programs.