Competition for First Nation Australians

Queensland’s Shahnee Hunter has won this year’s Deadly Funny competition for Aboriginal comedians.

The stand-up, from the Djabugay, Ewamian, Mbabaram & Butchulla peoples triumphed over eight other acts at the final at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival yesterday.

Special mentions were given to Nathan Wright (Alyawarr, Darnley Island & Jawoyn) and Tarsh Jago (Palawa).

Deadly Funny is Australia’s only dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedy competition, and comes with a $2,000 cash prize. 

Also making the final were Cameron Ribbons (Kamilaroi) from the Australian Capital Territory, David Human (Wiradjuri) and Jessie Human (Wiradjuri Dharug and Dharkinjung) from New South Wales; Dora Smith (Yawuru & Noongar) and Liz Narkle (Noongar) from Western Australia and  Matthew Bonson Gurindji & Jawoyn)   from the Northern Territories.

Published: 16 Apr 2023