12-year-old Blake Mackenzie wins national poetry slam on his first try
A Newcastle Year 6 student won the 2026 national youth poetry slam title in his first competition.
Blake Mackenzie, 12, walked into a poetry slam for the first time earlier this year. His teacher suggested he enter the Hunter regional heat.
Blake won that, then won the NSW final. On Sunday at the Sydney Opera House, he became the 2026 youth champion of the Australian Poetry Slam National Final.
Blake performed two poems. One was about racism and the struggle to love your country.
Another was about artificial intelligence replacing hard work and friendship. Blake was by far the youngest competitor.
Blake said he loved writing because it let him pour out his words. He could speak about big issues with power in his voice.
As national champion, Blake will have his poems published in a book. He will hopefully get the chance to perform at writers festivals throughout the country.
The competition is run by not-for-profit Word Travels. It is in its 22nd year.
It included 65 heats across 60 towns and cities.
- 12 years old, Year 6
- Age and year level
- Tighes Hill, Newcastle
- School and city
- Sydney Opera House
- Venue of win
- 65 heats in 60 towns and cities
- Competition scale
Why it mattersA young voice winning recognition for honest, serious work shows something important. Children's views on the world matter. They deserve to be heard.
AustraliaAustralian schools are nurturing young artists who can think and speak thoughtfully about racism, technology, and belonging.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
