SYDNEY, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Indian-born Priya Serrao is celebrating with family and friends on Friday after being crowned Miss Universe Australia, a title she intends to use to raise awareness about diversity and multiculturalism.

The 26-year-old policy advisor from the State of Victoria edged out over a dozen other finalists in Melbourne on Thursday night including runner-up, Australian-Ugandan Bella Kasimba.

Serrao will represent Australia at the Miss Universe competition next year in South Korea.

After being born in India and growing up in the Middle East, Serrao moved to Australia when she was 11.

Having graduated from law she said her proudest moment is completing an internship with the United Nations Development Program in Timor-Leste.

Former winners of the Miss Universe Australia title include Jennifer Hawkins, Erin McNaught, Jesinta Franklin and last year's winner Francesca Hung who is of Chinese descent.