Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week and 20 years of Deadly Funny

This year, NAIDOC Week marks 50 Years of Deadly, recognising half a century of celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 2026 also marks 20 years of Melbourne International Comedy Festival's Deadly Funny, Australia's premier First Nations comedy competition.

To celebrate, we sat down with some of our past Deadly Funny winners and current facilitators, Janty Blair, Leon Filewood, and Tarsh Jago, to chat about what Deadly Funny means to them, and the advice they have to anyone thinking of giving it a go. 

What was participating in Deadly Funny like for you?

It was a really big eye-opener on the amount of Blak talent we have from all over our country. It was such a gift being mentored by mob who have been in the industry and who really loved us up to be the best we could be! It was terrifying and the most fun I’ve ever had being surrounded by mob. When I won, I was completely stunned. My life completely changed. 

How has your career changed since doing Deadly Funny?

Winning Deadly Funny gave me the opportunity to be part of the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars and travel to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. However, the most wonderful thing for me is the friendships I have developed & maintained with people who have become my family. I moved to Naarm to further my career three years ago and I’ve been on the most amazing journey of learning from some of the best in business.

What is your favourite thing about facilitating Deadly Funny?

Being able to nurture and encourage mob to believe in themselves and to see raw talent coming to life.

What advice would you give to upcoming First Nations comedians/anyone thinking of doing Deadly Funny?

Don't think about it. Just do it. You never know what could happen and you’ll be surrounded by the most amazing deadliest blackfullas who will encourage you to do your very best, and you will meet mob & accomplices (allies) who will become your lifelong friends.

What was participating in Deadly Funny like for you?

When I did the workshop, I was excited but also very scared. I nearly never went. But Andy Saunders is a very convincing brother. He said, 'You have to do the show, you don't want to let mob down who are coming.' So I got up and did it. I didn't win my heat, but I was given a wildcard to the Deadly Funny National Grand Final. That was next level exciting, and a whole other feeling of fear and anxiety. I remember in the rehearsals there was a little kid sitting in the audience watching us. It was Andy's daughter. I was sick with fear and anxiety and I think she could tell. I remember her saying, 'You’re doing great. Don’t worry. I’ll be in the audience and if no one else laughs, I’ll laugh loud for you.' It seems silly, but hearing that little girl say that actually gave me the confidence to do the show, because at least she would laugh for me.

I did the show and remember when they went to announce the winner, I was upset because I didn't want there to be a winner. I felt like we had all won for being there. But then Dane Simpson announced me as the winner and I was in shock. Absolute shock and elation. I still get emotional when I think about that moment.

How has your career changed since doing Deadly Funny?

Man! Deadly Funny seriously changed my life!! My life was kinda boring before Deadly Funny. I know it seems lame. But I love stand-up comedy. To me it’s the spice of life! I have so many very exciting opportunities to develop as a professional stand up comedian and make people laugh. Which is one of my favourite expressions of love. Sure. Sounds lame. But it is, what it is.

What is your favourite thing about facilitating Deadly Funny?

Helping people believe in their funny and watching their confidence grow, infecting them with the comedy bug and watching them fall in love with stand up comedy.

What advice would you give to upcoming First Nations comedians/anyone thinking of doing Deadly Funny?

“Nike”. Don’t be shame. Just do it! 

What was participating in Deadly Funny like for you?

Participating in Deadly Funny was the catalyst for my comedy career, it was such a great masterclass into the world of stand-up and every opportunity has flowed from there. 

How has your career changed since doing Deadly Funny?

Deadly Funny was the launchpad for my career. I wouldn’t have gotten involved without it. I felt the industry wasn’t for people like me. 

What is your favourite thing about facilitating Deadly Funny?

Meeting people and seeing them come alive on stage. I love hearing their 'why' for coming along to the workshop. The inspiration behind them showing up is always so different but often deeply moving and special to get to hear. 

What advice would you give to upcoming First Nations comedians/anyone thinking of doing Deadly Funny?

Just show up to the workshop. Every blackfulla I know has a handful of stories they can reel off ready to go. Just come and play with it and see where it takes you.