Melbourne International Comedy Festival acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we work and live. We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' spirit, imagination and rich history of storytelling and humour that is an inspiration to all Australians.

We accept the invitation to walk together with First Nations people towards a more positive future for Australia, as described in the Uluru Statement From The Heart.

Browse Shows

Quick Links

Newsletter

Navigation

Sitemap

Social

0
0
Sign In
{{ cartMsg }}
Dismiss
{{ cartMsg }}
Dismiss

NAIDOC WEEK 2022

Every year, NAIDOC Week celebrations take place across Australia during the first week of July. A chance to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. 

We caught up with First Nations comedians (and 2022 Deadly Funny alumni) Dave & Jessie Rabbit-HumanBen Moodie and 2022 National Winner Janty Blair on what the NAIDOC theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! means to them and how it intersect with comedy, storytelling and live performance. Head here to read the article.

Enjoy some comedy from the next generation of deadly comedians, by reliving all the laughs from the 2021 Deadly Funny National Grand Final over on our YouTube channel (and keep an eye out for the 2022 National Grand Final which will air on NITV later this year). We’ve also put together a YouTube playlist of highlights from Deadly Funny participants and mentors from over the years featuring Kevin Kropinyeri, Steph Tisdell, Andy Saunders, Ghenoa Gela, Dane SimpsonMaureen FrenchElaine CrombieSean Choolburra and more!

The Festival also sends a huge congratulations out to Uncle Jack Charles, the voice behind the Acknowledgment of Country prior to Festival shows, who was recognised as Male Elder of the Year at the 2022 National NAIDOC Awards; and to Deadly Funny 2021 & 2022 finalist, Bel Mac, who this week received NAIDOC South Australia’s Award for LGBTQI+ Person of the Year!


There are heaps of events on this week, many of which are listed on the NAIDOC Week website. Here’s just a few that we are keen to check out:

KUNGARI COMEDY

Thursday 7 July, 6pm, Fringe Common Rooms, Melbourne/Naarm, VIC
Enjoy an evening of big laughs from Victoria’s funniest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedians! This line up of deadly talent will blow you away with hilarious stories and unique perspectives on being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Australia. Hosted by Ben Moodie and featuring Aunty Denise McGuinness, Kimmie Lovegrove and more.


NAIDOC Week Dance Party

Saturday 9 July, 1-8pm, Abbots Yard, Abbotsford, VIC
A day-to-night celebration for all ages featuring an all-Aboriginal line-up of DJs, artists, comedians and storytellers, including Deadly Funny alumnus Ben Moodie.


2022 Fraser Coast NAIDOC Ball

Saturday 9 July, 6pm, The Beach House Hotel, Scarness, QLD 
Those in Badtjala country can celebrate NAIDOC Week with special guests Janty Blair and Kylan Ambrum at the Fraser Coast NAIDOC Ball.


NBAC's NAIDOC Charity Ball

Saturday 16 July, 5.30pm, WestHQ (Rooty Hill RSL), NSW
Celebrate NAIDOC week in style with the Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation at their 2022 NAIDOC Charity Ball. Featuring special guest performances from Maureen French and Leon Filewood, proceeds from this event will go towards funding Narang Bir-rong's Leaving Care program, which assists young people to transition into adulthood and develop their independent living skills.


NBAC's NAIDOC Charity Ball

Saturday 16 July, 5.30pm, WestHQ (Rooty Hill RSL), NSW
Celebrate NAIDOC week in style with the Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation at their 2022 NAIDOC Charity Ball. Featuring special guest performances from Maureen French and Leon Filewood, proceeds from this event will go towards funding Narang Bir-rong's Leaving Care program, which assists young people to transition into adulthood and develop their independent living skills.


Big Mob Brekky

7.30am on NITV across NAIDOC Week or catch up SBS OnDemand
Wakey wakey, grab a cuppa and tune in for a yarn with the big mob brekky crew. Big Mob Brekky has seen many Deadly Funny alumni pop up over the years, as it checks in with mob right across the country for a feed, a laugh and all the latest in Black news and entertainment.