WHEN Kevin Kropinyeri takes to the stage as MC and headline entertainment for Kambu Health’s 50th Anniversary Gala on August 1, he’ll be doing what he’s done for almost two decades, bringing people together through laughter.
The award-winning comedian’s journey from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny competition to becoming one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous performers has been remarkable, but Kropinyeri insists the secret remains simple.
“Always bring the funny,” he said.
When Kropinyeri first stepped onto a stage as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny competition, he wasn’t chasing a career.
In fact, he almost didn’t enter at all.
“My family and friends pushed me into doing Deadly Funny,” he laughed.
“I got sent the same email about 20 times saying, ‘Go in this competition, go in it’.
“That there changed my life.”
The win opened doors across Australia and eventually around the world, with Kropinyeri going on to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, tour internationally, host Melbourne International Comedy Festival roadshows and become one of the country’s most recognisable Indigenous comedians and MCs.
While his Aboriginal identity and life experiences shape much of his material, Kropinyeri said audiences ultimately come for one thing.
“Funny is funny,” he said.
“Hung Le said to me years ago, ‘It’s great you’re Aboriginal and telling those stories, but don’t forget the funny.
People come to see you because you’re funny’.
“That always stayed with me.”
Growing up, Kropinyeri says humour became both a gift and a survival tool.
“I think some people are born with gifts,” he said.
“My family says I’ve been giving them free shows since I was a kid.
“I learned to be funny to cope with some of the stuff I grew up around.”
Today, whether he’s performing stand-up, hosting major events or acting as MC, Kropinyeri believes laughter helps bring people together.
“When you make someone smile or laugh, their defences come down,” he said.
Tickets for the gala are available at https://events.humanitix.com/kambu-health-annual-gala-ball-2026-50th-anniversary/tickets.
