At 12, Solli Raphael is the youngest winner of the Australian Poetry Slam held at Sydney Opera House annually. A budding humanitarian, he hopes to become an inspirational leader among his peers. Solli enjoys writing powerful and emotive poetry and performing pieces to instigate change in the areas he feels are critical for attention and action such as social equality, the environment and animal protection.

Solli loves hanging out with his Chihuahua, Winston, and thrives on challenges such as training for 10 km running events. As well as his school work and performing at festivals and public speaking events, this motivated teen enjoys playing the saxophone, swimming, drama and playing boules with his great-grandmother. He hopes to become a pilot one day.

Now 13, Solli is keen to use the platforms of performing and writing to tackle current social issues – big and small. He wants to encourage his generation to participate in conversations about issues that affect their lives, sending out the challenge, be a game changer with me!