Ekrem Ozyurek, 53, migrated to Australia from Turkey in 1974 and has spent his time since making life more comfortable for his community.

The president of the Keysborough Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre, Mr Ozyurek’s vision for a school that catered for local Turkish muslims came to fruition in 2000, when Mt Hira College was opened.

“We started with 20 kids enrolled, but on the first day, we only had 15 at school. The state requirement was 20, so I had to call some locals and get them to bring their kids in to make sure we filled the quota.

“It was a tough start, but before we knew it, we had 40 students, then it doubled the year after and we now have a P-12 school with state of the art buildings that caters for 250 students.

He said the school’s development was marked by the efforts of 2009’s year 12 contingent.

“Every one of our VCE students was able to get a place in university on first round [offers]. That is an amazing strike rate”.

He is particularly proud that the school has branched out into other cultures, as well as enrolling its first non-muslim students, who will start this year.

“We’ve already become a multicultural school [accepting other nationalities besides Turkish] and now offer education not just to muslim kids - we have three non muslim children enrolled for next year.”

Mr Ozyurek has moved on as principal of the school, but is still chairman of its board.

The father of two now runs East Preston Islamic College and is focussing on the developing mosque at the Islamic centre in Perry Road, Keysborough.

“We’re building a mosque at the moment and that will be a great asset to Greater Dandenong – it combines modern turkish architecture with Australian designs. It’s going to be a really nice religious place for people to come and see.”

He credits his wife Naime as his inspiration.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without her support, she’s my inspiration and she is there for everything.

“The [Order of Asutralia] honour is shared between she and I."

Mr Ozyurek says he will use the award as motivation to continue his work in education and the wider community.