Keira Jones is one of just 12 students from around the state taking part in the state final of the multicultural perspectives public speaking competition.

It is the second time she has made it to the state finals of the competition.

Now in its 22nd year, the competition was established with the aim of heightening awareness of multicultural issues among primary school students while developing their interest in public speaking.

Almost 1000 students took part in the competition which also included 74 local and eight regional finals.

“It’s a really important message that needs to be spoken about,” Keira, a Year 5 student, said.