The Australia Day Ambassador Program sends high achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day.

Eleven years ago Dr Spitzer became Australia’s first clown doctor when he established the Humour Foundation

The charity is dedicated to promoting the health benefits of humour, now with 55 clown doctors working in 18 hospitals.

Dr Spitzer, also known as Dr Fruit Loop, can be found wandering hospital corridors around the country dressed in a funny hat and carrying a big bag of magic tricks, determined to make sick children smile.

Dr Spitzer and his wife Judy will attend the shire’s Australia Day celebrations at Dorrigo where he will present the award certificates to all nominees from the seven award categories.

The ambassador’s role is to provide added inspiration and pride to Australia Day events and activities, a role Dr Spitzer said he was honoured to fill.

“It is an absolute buzz,” Dr Spitzer said.

“The first year I did it I was in Berrima.

“It is a great way to meet people from different parts of NSW and instantly connect with the community.”

“With my story I try to fit the piece of the jigsaw puzzle to do with celebrating the Australian character and the fact that we aren’t overly serious.

“I hope to remind people to keep a balance and I think that is something Australians do really well.”

Dr Spitzer said he felt “blessed” to be Australian.

“Travelling overseas on and off for the past 30 years I have noticed how much more relaxed we are and how much I just love coming home,” Dr Spitzer said.

Other Southern Highlanders included in the inspiration group are author Esther McKay who will act as the 2010 ambassador for the Hawkesbury, entertainer Noeline Brown who will travel to the Urana Shire this year, and historical researcher and author Linda Emery will stay home for the Berrima celebrations.