Nelly Thomas


Nelly Thomas is a comedian, author, educator and broadcaster from Western Australia, now living in Melbourne, Australia.

Comedy

Thomas won the Triple J Raw Comedy competition in 2003 alongside Stephen Sheehan.
Since then she has performed around the world as a stand-up comedian including four solo shows, Family Ties in 2006, Nelly Thomas is not a Yummy Mummy in 2008, I Coulda Been A Sailor in 2010 and 2014's Nelly Thomas is Pleasantly Furious.
In 2009, Thomas appeared on the Australian television comedy history quiz show ADbc and 2015's Judith Lucy Is All Woman.

Writing

Thomas is the author of four books. She writes regularly for the Australian print and online media including The Guardian and The Sydney Morning Herald and a column for New Matilda.
Books
She is a regular guest and presenter on ABC local radio and guest on Radio National.
In 2018 she wrote and presented The C Word, a documentary about class in Australia for Radio National's Earshot.
In 2010, Thomas co-hosted the Boxcutters podcast. In 2020 she launched Person, Place & Thing: a little podcast for Big Times.

Educator

Before winning Raw Comedy, Thomas worked in the welfare sector and has continued to advocate for issues including homelessness, asylum seeker rights, gender and women's rights.

In 2011, she launched a DVD called The Talk to encourage young people and their parents and carers to talk openly about smart sex choices.
In 2003 Thomas created the No Means No Show, a live show aimed at teaching adolescents about making smart choices regarding sex.
From 2016 to 2019 Thomas was an Ambassador for Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.