Aaron, that sounds awesome.
If the opportunity presents itself, try doing what I did and volunteering in a hospital, particularly in the pediatric unit. It's a great way for you to gain confidence and experience while at the same time giving kids something to take their minds off the reason they're in a hospital in the first place. If you do it, you won't regret it.
That sounds like it would be great to brighten the day of some little kiddies. That is great that you volunteer your time to do that. and if the oppertunity arose i would as well.
Don't just wait for it to arise - seek it out! Practically every hospital in the "Western" world (which includes Oz and Kiwi) has volunteers and a department to manage them. Go find a nearby hospital and see if they could use an entertainer. A kid showing tricks to the kids would be amazing.
If that should fail, I'd bet there are some senior citizen rest/retirement centers or community centers that would leap (not very high, but leap - brittle bones, y'see) at the chance to get a young magician in to volunteer his services - and if you're truly lucky, you might even find an old-timer who was in the biz when he was younger and who'd be willing to share some secrets and show you the ropes!
I can see it now... "Aaron, the Padawan Magician!" Ah, the Classic Force is with you today...