Stories from the Ward
From bursts of silliness to tender moments of care, our Clown Doctors see it all. Read these Stories from the Ward and step into the moments that shape their work and stay with them long after the visit ends.
From bursts of silliness to tender moments of care, our Clown Doctors see it all. Read these Stories from the Ward and step into the moments that shape their work and stay with them long after the visit ends.
As vulnerability grows across our communities, the need for care that is deeply human has never been greater.
This February, our Clown Doctors took part in Compassionate Clowning workshops led by internationally recognised expert Magdalena Schamberger. The workshops deepen our Clown Doctors’ connection with vulnerable and neurodivergent groups.
Something remarkable has been happening at the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) in Manly. With warmth, intuition and deep respect, our Clown Doctors have become part of the AYAH family, bringing lightness, connection and moments of joy to young people and their loved ones during the hardest of times.
This Smile Month, visit select CommBank branches across Australia – where every dollar you donate and every pair of limited-edition Clown Doctors socks you purchase will be matched by CommBank, up to $100,000. Your support means double the impact, and every sock sold gifts a child a Clown Doctors visit in hospital.
In October 2025, Clown Doctors Australia travelled through the Hunter and New England regions, bringing laughter, comfort, and connection to children, families, and hospital staff. Supported by Hyundai Help for Kids, the tour reached regional communities where moments of joy can make a powerful difference.
For children in hospital, laughter isn’t just a distraction – it’s a form of medicine. Thanks to Hyundai Help for Kids, our Clown Doctors can continue to bring light and connection to those who need it most through The Clown Nose Project.
At Clown Doctors Australia, we know that real impact comes from collective effort; community is at the heart of everything we do. The individuals who give what they can, the volunteers who dedicate their time, and the everyday supporters who share our message all play a vital role in bringing laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed.
At Clown Doctors Australia, we witness the magic of laughter every day. A shared giggle, a playful moment, or a burst of joy can transform hospital corridors and aged care facilities, bringing comfort to those facing some of life’s toughest moments. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our funders, whose support ensures that our Clown Doctors and Laughter Care programs continue to reach those who need them most.
Laughter and play are powerful tools, especially in a hospital setting. We sat down with Clown Doctor Dr Whoops-a-Daisy (Kayla Hamill) to talk about their journey, the impact of their work, and why Clown Doctors are an essential part of healthcare.
At Clown Doctors Australia, we believe in the power of laughter and connection to enhance well-being, especially in aged care settings. That’s why we’ve been collaborating with Deborah Keys, CEO of Bankstown City Aged Care, to develop training that empowers staff with the skills to improve social care alongside physical care.