Dallas resident Mahmut Eren was recently named Hume council’s resident of the month for his work on radio station 3ZZZ and in the Turkish community. He speaks with Laura Michell
What is your role at 3ZZZ?
I have volunteered at 3ZZZ for 24 years. I prepare a Turkish program. I also encourage members to support the station because it is run by volunteers and we need to collect donations to keep running.
What other groups do you volunteer with?
I volunteer with the Australian Turkish Association. I am on the committee and do the society’s media to help keep my community up-to-date with news. From 1980-81 to 1988-89, I helped to publish the association’s monthly newspapers.
Why did you start volunteering?
I am passionate about helping others. It makes me happy to be involved with my community. I like to attend community and help others. I am proud of my community.
How did it feel to be named Hume council’s resident of the month?
I didn’t know that I was to be given the award. I am very proud of it and I was very thankful.
What do you like about living in Hume?
Most of the Turkish community lives in Hume – around Dallas, Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park. I have lived in Dallas since 1992 and I am happy being in my community.
What changes would you like to see in Dallas?
I would like to see more awareness about the cleanliness of our community. I would like to see less rubbish and broken trees. When I speak to the mosque and the imams, I always advise them to ask people not to dump rubbish. I am very concerned about that.
