St George resident Kamal Sigdel comes from a proud Nepali heritage and wants to share and celebrate it with the wider Georges River community.

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He has done so by lending many Nepalese artefacts from his personal collection to exhibit at Hurstville Museum and Gallery.

Kamal's collection, combined with items on loan from the Powerhouse Museum, has been combined to make the exhibition, Woven from a hundred flowers which opened at Hurstville Museum and Gallery on May 1.

The exhibition's curator, Jess Leonard said it is the first major exhibition honouring Georges River's large Nepalese community.

"This exhibition is the result of the Nepalese community who gave so generously their time and advice, and enthusiasm to bring it to life," she said.

Hurstville Museum and Gallery co-ordinator cultural services, Beth MacRae added, "As the fastest growing community in Georges RIver it made a lot of sense to present an exhibition recognising the significant cultural contribution of our Nepalese residents."

The exhibition's title, Woven from a hundred flowers, is a line from the Nepali national anthem and recognises all the diversity of Nepal coming together to present a rich tapestry of culture.

Kamal was 17 when he moved from Kathmandu to Australia, joining the growing Nepalese community in Georges RIver.

Now aged 38, he has raised his family here and runs his own takeaway food business, the Nepali Chaat Haus, operating from Hurstville RSL Club.

Grateful for his life in Australia and the opportunities it provides, Kamal wants his children to know of their heritage.

"I love to tell the Nepalese story," he said.

"My family comes from Hindu priest lineage. I've got to teach my kids and the younger generation and let them know the culture where they come from," he said.

A member of Georges River Council's multicultural committee, he suggested that the council should host an exhibition of the culture of Nepal.

"I said I have many items I could loan for the exhibition," he said.

On a walk-through of the exhibition, Kamal described the significance of many of the items on display which include masks, art, jewellery, traditional wooden carvings and clothing.

These include the Kumari and Ganesh Masks which play a role in the ceremonies and celebrations of Nepal and are used to entertain, teach and honour the gods.

Intricate Thangka Art, which originated in Tibet, records and reflects the Buddha's teachings.

There are bracelets, hair jewellery and necklaces. More than just a fashion statement, jewellery symbolises spirituality, culture and tradition. Certain jewellery is believed to offer protection and fend off negative energy.

Cultural outfits in the exhibition representing the core ethnic groups of Nepal were provided by St Georges Hurstville Nepali Church.

There is a wall of topees, traditional headwear worn by men, all in traditional patterns representing the various regions of Nepal.

Pride of place, next to the flag of Nepal, is the Kukri, a souvenir knife of metal, leather and wood worn by the elite Gurkha soldiers. Two cross kukris are the recognised emblem of Nepal.

The exhibition also includes oral histories from the local Nepali community and a wall of photographs of members of the local Nepali community. People can add their stories to the exhibition by scanning a QR code on the wall.

Kamal hopes the community will view the exhibition and learn about Nepalese culture.

And he hopes it is the start of larger exhibitions in the future.

"I've got many more items coming from Nepal," he said.

Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the exhibition is an opportunity to recognise the important role the Nepalese community plays in Georges River.

"This exhibition celebrates the creativity, culture and contribution of our Nepalese community.," she said.

"We are proud to share their stories with the wider public."

Woven from a hundred flowers exhibition is at the Hurstville Museum and Gallery from May 1 to August 30. 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.

Cost: Free.