The veteran stand-up comedian thinks there is plenty of undiscovered talent around that could be showcased at Australia's biggest open-mike comedy competition for novices.

"[The western suburbs] are full of funny people - you just have to go to Coles in Footscray," O'Neill said.

He encouraged people to give it a go, and make jokes about what they know.

"You've got to do what you think is funny first and then hopefully the audience love it, too.

"If you're a little bit different you'll stand out and you'll go further, quicker ... but if you're a middle-aged white guy there's no point pretending to be something you're not. The audience is the best judge and the best editor, but they understand what's going on and that it's raw comedy."

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been running Raw since 1996. Previous winners and finalists include Chris Lilley, Hannah Gadsby, Wil Anderson and Tim Minchin. Performers must do a five-minute spot of new, original comedy material at the heat. The ultimate national winner will be flown to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to perform.

If you'd like to strut your stuff on stage, visit

www.rawcomedy.com.au and register. The western suburbs Raw Comedy heat will start at 7pm at Footscray Community Arts Centre's amphitheatre, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray. Tickets: $10 (at the door, cash only).