Dhinawan takes out the 2025 Deadly Funny title

Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny National Grand Final took place on Monday 14 April at Arts Centre Melbourne. Hosted by First Nations comedy legend Kevin Kropinyeri, with special performances by the 2024 winners Tyson Walker, Kalah Lovegrove, 2022 winner Janty Blair and special guest Channel Ali (USA).

The eight Deadly Funny national finalists included: Dhinawan Baker (Magandjin QLD), Errolyn Strang (Woolyungah NSW), Yindyamarra Johnson (Wagga Wagga NSW), Matthew Bonson (Garramilla NT), Daniel Newchurch (Guuranda SA), Teresa Moore (Naarm VIC), Kimberley Benjamin (Rubibi WA) and Ngaire Pigram (Rubibi WA). The line-up of new comedic voices was incredibly strong and over ninety minutes had a packed theatre laughing loudly. Two runners-up were applauded: Yindyamarra Johnson (Wagga Wagga, NSW) and Errolyn Strang (Woolyungah, NSW). Dhinawan Baker (Magandjin, QLD) took home the winner’s trophy.

Deadly Funny is Australia’s only dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedy competition. Part of a suite of development programs created by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival which run year-round, the Deadly Funny competition is dedicated to discovering and amplifying voices from First Nations performers across Australia. Deady Funny has crossed the continent with workshops and regional showcases, unearthing fresh, new comedy voices and yarn-spinners from the oldest culture on earth and presenting them to the widest possible audience.

As the winner of Deadly Funny, Dhinawan joins the ranks of the country’s favourite First Nations comedians including previous winners and alumni Kevin Kropinyeri, Steph Tisdell, Andy Saunders, Janty Blair, Ghenoa Gela, Jalen Sutcliffe and Shiralee Hood, who have all gone on to stellar careers performing around the country.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s other development programs include RAW Comedy and Class Clowns.

For more information on Deadly Funny head to deadlyfunny.com.au.