Zayd Williams and Alex Livio, both aged 11 and in year 6, received the top gong in the regional Naidoc Public Speaking event.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Indigo Dawson was crowned the regional winner and 10-year-old Brynn Elliott was named highly commended in the Multicultural Perspective public speaking competition.

In the Naidoc competition on August 27, Zayd and Alex were up against roughly 15 other schools from around the Riverina and Snowy Valleys.

"It was a joint effort, we had to work on it together," said Alex.

"Our topic was 'always was, always will be', which I think of as respect for the land. It always was Aboriginal land and it always will be."

Zayd decided to pay homage to his Indigenous heritage, learning parts of the speech in various Aboriginal languages.

This was the fifth year Turvey Park Public has entered the Naidoc speaking contest, but only the first time the students had placed.

Likewise, Indigo has delivered a speech in the multicultural contest three times, and has only this year managed to win it. Her victory will now mean she will compete at the state level.

This year, Indigo's speech was entitled 'colour matters'.

"Your skin colour shows your individuality. Different colours bring us together," Indigo said.

"[While researching] for my speech I found out that 12,706 people come to Australia as refugees every year. I was surprised by that because I think I just didn't know it. I didn't really think of it before."

Brynn chose to write her speech about respect.

"Lots of people say Australia is a great place, but racism and disrespect still go on. I think it's unfair and unkind," Brynn said.

"Sometimes I see [disrespect] at school and in the community. I'm always shocked that it happens."

Usually, the students would take over the stage to deliver their speech, but this year, Alex and Zayd spoke via Zoom, while Brynn and Indigo were pre-recorded.

Though the students could not agree on whether the virtual competition was more challenging.

"It wasn't as easy [on Zoom]. I like public speaking, I like to look around and see everyone. But this way I could only see the camera," Alex said.

Indigo agreed.

"It was more nerve-wracking in front of the camera, I like to feed off the audience more," she said.

Zayd and Brynn, however, agreed that a camera made for the best audience.

"I thought it was easier because there wasn't an audience watching you standing there," Zayd said.

"I didn't mind it. It was actually quiet easy without anyone looking at me," Brynn said.