Australian Calabrese Cultural Association

Joe Avati, the famous Australian comedian of Italian heritage, is internationally celebrated for his unique style and is considered one of the most influential comedians of his generation. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the ethnic comedy circuit worldwide.

Joe’s parents hail from Calabria, Italy, and some of his performances incorporate the Calabrese dialect, delivered in English with or without a Calabrese accent. Joe studied food science at a university in Sydney, graduating second in his class. After completing his degree, he entered the restaurant industry, creating unique ice cream flavours while honing his stand-up material on the side.

For the past 30 years, Avati’s routines, which reflect his culturally diverse upbringing, have earned him a devoted global following. He skilfully navigates the delicate balance of expressing thoughts that resonate with many, yet remain unspoken, all without resorting to profanity or vulgar shock tactics. This approach makes his performances accessible to audiences of all ages. With his razor-sharp wit and keen observations, Joe delivers humour that is both profoundly relatable and strikingly accurate. Undoubtedly, he stands out as one of the world’s most beloved and successful comedians of his time.

In 2024, Joe was awarded 2 prestigious awards: The first was the Australian Comedian of the Year and then an award from the Italian Government in recognition for exemplary contribution to the arts globally.