Gamilaroi man Dhinawan Baker has won the 2025 Deadly Funny National Grand Final held on Monday 14 April at Arts Centre Melbourne.

The event, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, was hosted by comedian Mr Kevin Kropinyeri and featured performances by 2024 winners Tyson Walker and Kalah Lovegrove, 2022 winner Ms Janty Blair, and US guest Channel Ali.

Eight First Nations finalists competed in the national final; Dhinawan Baker, Errolyn Strang, Yindyamarra Johnson, Matthew Bonson, Daniel Newchurch, Teresa Moore, Kimberley Benjamin, and Ngaire Pigram.

Mr Johnson and Ms Strang were named the runners-up.

Deadly Funny is Australia's only dedicated comedy competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers.

It is part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's year-round development programs aimed at supporting Indigenous voices in comedy.

The competition includes workshops and regional showcases held across the country.

Past winners and participants include Mr Kropinyeri, Ms Steph Tisdell, Mr Andy Saunders, Ms Blair, Ms Ghenoa Gela, Mr Jalen Sutcliffe and Ms Shiralee Hood.

Other development initiatives by the festival include RAW Comedy and Class Clowns.