00:0547 years in the performing arts means Freddie the Clown can help heal the sick.
00:13This visit is part of a six-month trial at a geriatric care and rehab centre in Melbourne.
00:18But across Australia there are about 100 clown doctors and laughter care specialists
00:22that have visited more than 100,000 people at hospitals and aged care facilities this year alone.
00:27It has enormous impact on staff wellbeing, on patient wellbeing.
00:32It helps people to feel more hope.
00:34Do you think it matches my outfit?
00:36You know, it fits in.
00:39But willing entertainers also need specialist skills.
00:42You've got to go through a long, long audition process and then a long training process.
00:46We call that a clownternship where you do sort of an apprenticeship
00:50where you learn how to bring those skills effectively into the hospital settings.
00:54When I'm doing entertainment, it's all about me.
00:57When I'm there working this type of job, it's a collaboration.
01:02Just a few months into this trial, the results are positive.
01:05You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
01:11I love Freddie when he comes.
01:13I didn't used to like Clown, then I met Freddie and I think he's turned me the other way.
01:18Oh my god Freddie, you're really good. You're keeping everyone happy.
01:22It's made the ward more enjoyable.
01:25And it is contagious.
01:27I'm stuck a little bit, I can't get out of this.
01:29Are you physios?
01:31It's meaningful, it's rewarding, it's also outrageously fun.
01:35And one of my favourite jobs of all time.
01:38Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum.
01:42Yay, fantastic.
