News

News, patients stories & insights

News

Dust Up 2026: Creativity, Connection and Reciprocity in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands 

Clown Doctors have returned to the Ngaanyatjarra Lands for Dust Up 2026, sharing laughter, creativity and connection with remote communities through workshops, performances and playful collaboration.

Read more ➔

Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital 

For 25 years, Clown Doctors have helped transform the hospital experience for children and families at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Today, they continue to play an important role in supporting children during procedures, helping reduce fear and anxiety.

Read more ➔

Two Clown Doctors pose playfully outside a hospital building. One performer balances behind the other with arms outstretched and colourful butterfly wings, while the other wears oversized yellow glasses and a bright hat. Both are dressed in colourful costumes and red noses, standing beside a stone wall in the hospital grounds.

Stories from the Ward: Finding Calm in the Cardiology Clinic 

When a young patient arrived for a cardiac appointment feeling anxious and wary, Dr Saurus-Rex and Dr Wing It stepped in to help. Read more about how play, trust and distraction helped turn a difficult day into a remarkable success story.

Read more ➔

Audience members seated in a large conference auditorium during HCIM 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland. A large screen at the front of the venue displays the HCIM 2026 logo, while attendees gather for a healthcare clowning conference session under red stage lighting.

Learning, Connecting and Bringing New Ideas Home: Insights from HCIM 2026 

From sharing Australian expertise to learning alongside healthcare clowning practitioners from more than 40 countries, HCIM 2026 was a powerful reminder of the impact of connection in healthcare. Discover how Clown Doctors Australia is bringing global healthcare clowning insights home to help create more human-centred care for patients, families and healthcare staff.

Read more ➔

Celebrating 10 Years of Laughter Care at Bankstown City Aged Care 

For 10 years, Laughter Care has been bringing warmth, wit and a whole lot of heart to Bankstown City Aged Care. Join us as we celebrate this special milestone and reflect on a powerful story that highlights the lasting impact of creativity, relationships and human-centred care.

Read more ➔

CommBank Matildas players stand alongside two Clown Doctors in a colourful hospital play space at Royal North Shore Hospital. The group pose together wearing sports uniforms and clown costumes, surrounded by children's artwork and decorations during a special hospital visit for patients, families and staff.

CommBank Matildas Bring Smiles to Royal North Shore Hospital 

CommBank Matildas stars Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac and Winonah Heatley recently joined our Clown Doctors for a special visit to Royal North Shore Hospital. Together, they shared moments of laughter, connection and joy with children, families and staff while seeing firsthand the impact of healthcare clowning. Read the full story here

Read more ➔

Two Clown Doctors in colourful costumes and red noses pose against a bright blue background. One wears a purple hat and green overalls with a stethoscope, while the other wears a decorated green hat and white coat adorned with playful badges and colourful details.

Investing in the next generation of Clown Doctors on the Gold Coast 

Thanks to support from the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation, Clown Doctors Australia is investing in two new Clownterns at Gold Coast University Hospital. Discover how more than a year of specialist training and mentoring helps prepare the next generation of Clown Doctors to support local children and families.

Read more ➔

Two Clown Doctors wearing red noses stand together in a hospital corridor. One wears a bright green coat over a patterned shirt, while the other wears a green scrub-style top, glasses and a hat. A hospital door and noticeboard are visible in the background.

Laughter Care Expands Reaching More Hospitals Across Australia

Clown Doctors Australia’s Laughter Care in Hospitals program is expanding its reach across the country, bringing warmth, wit and a whole lot of heart to more older Australians in hospital. Read the latest update on program growth, new hospital partnerships and the expanding impact of Clown Doctors across Australia.

Read more ➔

A moment of relief, just when it was needed; Xavier’s Story

Xavier was just two and a half when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. In the months that followed, hospital became a constant presence in their lives. Admissions blurred together. So did the worry. In the middle of the stress and uncertainty, the Clown Doctors brought something his family hadn’t heard in weeks: Xavier’s giggle.

Read more ➔

Clown Doctors and attendees pose together in front of a “Unite 4 Kids” backdrop, waving to the camera.

Community, Compassion and Childhood Joy at the Unite4Kids Luncheon

Laughter, connection and generosity filled the room at the 2026 Unite4Kids Luncheon, as a passionate community came together to support children and families through some of their most challenging times.

Read more ➔

Two Clown Doctors perform music and playful movement in a hospital corridor, bringing energy, colour and laughter into the space.

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.

Read more ➔

A group of Clown Doctors stand together against a plain backdrop, representing connection and community during a Compassionate Clowning workshop.

Compassionate Clowning Workshops: Elevating Care Through Humour and Connection 

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.

Read more ➔