Following his big win on Deadly Funny 2025, Dhinawan Baker says the national comedy competition is more than just laughs - it's a powerful space for healing, connection and black excellence.

A proud Gamilaroi and Bigambul man, Mr Baker said he didn't travel to Melbourne with the intention of taking out the title.

"I just went down there for the experience," he told National Indigenous times.

"Winning the title was just an absolute bonus that came with it."

For Mr Baker, the heart of his set came from the people he grew up around.

"In our communities we have so many characters, and those characters have entertained us for years," he said.

"We're only as funny as the people who came before us. Storytelling is natural in our community, so I just wanted to highlight that."

Reflecting on his experience with Deadly Funny, Mr Baker praised the structure of the program and the people behind it.

"Comedy is the hardest profession when you're stepping alone onto a stage," he said.

"The coaches, Andy Saunders and Kevin Kropinyeri, they're amazing – not just for comedy but for community."

Mr Baker said the atmosphere created by both organisers and contestants helped bring out everyone's best.

"What we need to celebrate is black excellence and Deadly Funny does that at the highest platform we can get to: the Melbourne International Comedy Festival."

He also believes comedy has a vital role to play in healing, both for Indigenous people and the wider community.

"There's no better feeling than having a good laugh," he said.

"If you sit in a comedy act, especially when it's all Indigenous and all around Indigenous people, people get to see the beauty of our culture."

He said this connection can shift perspectives.

"They've seen and heard the best of us, and now they become allies for us," he said.

"It sets off waves of healing, even beyond our control."

Humour, he said, helps "crack through the darkness".

"It doesn't just put a band-aid over a wound - it really helps heal those wounds."

As for what's next, Mr Baker said he plans to continue exploring comedy, describing it as a space of endless creative potential.

"Comedy is like music - there's so many genres," he said.

"You can go into dark humour, political humour - it's endless.

"So if the comedy world is ready for me, I'm coming at you."

In the short term, his focus will return to culture, with a family trip planned to present cultural performances in England, France and Portugal.

"I won the Australian title, but now my family is going to represent Australia and showcase the beauty of our culture in lands far away."

Mr Baker encouraged young mob to get involved.

"If you have a taste for comedy, go to Deadly Funny," he said.

"They'll support you and elevate you - not just in your career, but to a place of happiness."