Museum and Gallery booklet: July to September 2026

Hurstville Museum & Gallery

July – September 2026

About

Hurstville Museum & Gallery

14 MacMahon St, Hurstville

Free entry

Opening Hours

Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Contact us

(02) 9330 6444 museumgallery@georgesriver.gov.au georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/HMG

Follow us fi @hurstvillemuseumgallery

Welcome

If you haven’t already had the chance to view Woven from a hundred flowers, I encourage you to come and see this incredible exhibition celebrating Nepalese culture. Featuring loans from local community members, alongside objects from the Powerhouse Museum, this exhibition highlights the fastest growing community in the Georges River area.

Opening in September, Michele Beevor’s Anatomy Lessons will feature a range of life-size sculptures of animal skeletons made from wire and covered in wool-knit. This exhibition is sure to fascinate our visitors, whatever their age!

We look forward to welcoming you.

Bethany MacRae Cultural Services Coordinator

Hurstville Museum & Gallery acknowledges the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of all lands, waters and sky in the Georges River area. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as an integral part of the Georges River community and values their social and cultural contributions. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live, work and meet on these lands.

Cover image:

Michele Beevors, Frogs, wool and wire, 160 x 80 x 100cm.

From the Collection

Hurstville Museum & Gallery has over 6,000 objects in our collection. These objects tell the history and stories of the Georges River community. Recent acquisitions to the collection include an artwork by Krishna Malla and an early 20th century sewing machine and cabinet belonging to a former Mayor of Hurstville donated by his family. Our collection grows through the generosity of donors, so if you are interested in donating historical objects or artworks that tell the story of the Georges River region, contact Hurstville Museum & Gallery.

Collection spotlight

Daphne Kingston, Mortdale Brickworks 1973

Well-known in the St George region, Daphne Kingston painted many scenes in the local area from the 1970s to the 2000s. She captured the changing nature of Sydney through her paintings and sketches, often focusing on overlooked historic buildings. This painting depicts the Hurstville Steam Brick Company established in 1884, known as Mortdale Brickworks or Judd’s Brickworks after owner William George Judd.

Do you have an artwork, photograph or story about Daphne Kingston? Hurstville Museum & Gallery are interested to hear from you! Contact the team on museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9330 6444.

To find out more about this object and our collection, scan the QR code.

New to the Collection

Hurstville Museum & Gallery have recently acquired a self-portrait and collection of artist equipment belonging to the late local Georges River artist and Olympic gymnast, Bruce Sharp (1931 - 2023). These objects were generously donated by Bruce Sharp’s family.

Previously having exhibited his work in the Dragon’s Lair Gallery at Hurstville Museum & Gallery, Bruce Sharp was a prolific local artist whose work spanned portraits, landscapes and still life in a variety of styles. Complementing the portrait of actress Sarah Bernhardt by Bruce Sharp already held in the Hurstville Museum & Gallery collection (H2018.3), the newly acquired 2014 self-portrait (H2026.15) along with equipment ranging from an artist’s palette to watercolours and a pair of pliers (H2026.16 to H2026.49), will provide the opportunity to further engage with the stories of artistic creation and expression in the history of the St George area.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery looks forward to sharing these new acquisitions with the community soon so look out for them on our online collection on in future exhibitions.

Image: Bruce Sharp’s artist equipment (H2026.16 - H2026.23, H2026.27 - H2026.28, H2026.32).

Hurstville Museum & Gallery collection.

Georges River Reflections

Ongoing Exhibition

Georges River Reflections explores the development of our region and highlights the people who make it special.

The new display incorporates objects from the collection, graphics, and audiovisuals, allowing visitors to be immersed in the stories of our community.

This exhibition upgrade was proudly funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.

Image: Georges River Reflections, Hurstville Museum & Gallery.

Main Gallery

Woven from a hundred flowers

Celebrating our Nepalese community

1 May – 30 August 2026

Woven from a hundred flowers celebrates the rich culture and diverse stories of the Nepalese community of the Georges River region. This exhibition showcases the historical, social, and cultural background of Nepal while reflecting the vibrant and evolving Nepalese community of our area.

Join us for a family friendly Open Day on Saturday 18 July with performances at 10.30am, alongside drop-in activities from 10am-3pm.

Image: Installation view, Woven from a hundred flowers. Hurstville Museum & Gallery.

Anatomy Lessons

Michele Beevors

12 September – 6 December

Anatomy Lessons by Michele Beevors, features meticulously sculpted, life-sized animal skeletons painstakingly measured, drawn and sculpted from steel, wire, and foam, and knitted over, in a fine-art softening of the subject beneath.

Official opening:

Friday 11 September at 6.00pm, with special talk by international artist, Michele Beevors.

Special programs:

Michele Beevors will be running special programs for children and adults throughout the day on Saturday 12 September. For more information and to book, please visit the What’s On webpage at georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/hmg.

Dragon’s Lair Gallery

The Dragon’s Lair Gallery is a dedicated space within Hurstville Museum & Gallery for emerging and established artists with a connection to the Georges River area to display their works in a professional gallery.

Sacred Journey

Amy Lea Hill-Trindall

4 July – 16 August 2026

Amy Lea Hill-Trindall is a Kamilaroi artist and facilitator working in the Georges River community. Her contemporary practice includes painting, digital art making, shell work, traditional weaving, and burning. The works reflect her deep connection to the land and Kamilaroi Totems.

Exhibition opening: Saturday 4 July, 2.00pm

Image: Amy Lea Hill-Trindall, Bring me to Life Sacred Journey, shells, resin, paint.

Since We Last Met

Heli Yang

22 August – 27 September 2026

Heli Yang is a Chinese-Australian illustrator and educator based in Peakhurst. Capturing moments of appreciation, her narrative-driven illustrations bring stories to life. This imaginative exhibition reminds us that creativity is for all.

Exhibition opening: Sunday 23 August, 2.00pm

Image: Heli Yang, Since We Last Met, illustration.

Image: Installation view, (Still) Losing the War on Nature, GReg, Dragon’s Lair Gallery, 7 April – 17 May 2026.

Exhibit with us

Applications are now open for the Georges River Community Art Spaces program.

Apply online via the QR code to exhibit your work in the Dragon’s Lair Gallery, Hurstville Museum & Gallery, or the Clive James Library and Service Centre exhibition space, Kogarah by 26 July 2026.

Snapshot Gallery

The Snapshot Gallery presents a curated display of historic local photographs. Drawing from the Georges River Research and Community History collection, which comprises of more than 10,000 images, Snapshot exhibitions provide a visual record of the local area’s changes over time.

Sign of the Times

16 May – 9 August 2026

Through historic photographs drawn from the Georges River Council Research and Community History collection, alongside objects from Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s collection, Sign of the Times explores the changing face of the Georges River area through the signage and advertisements found on billboards, shopfronts, streets, and everywhere in between.

Image: Herne Bay Real Estate Agency office, Belmore Road, Herne Bay (later Riverwood) NSW, 1938. Research and Community History collection, GRLS21-1592.

Schools Out

15 August – 8 November 2026

From the opening of the region’s first public school in 1873 to the more than 40 schools operating in the area today, Schools Out looks back through historic photographs at the students, schools, and educational facilities of the Georges River area.

Image: Dumbleton (later Beverly Hills) Public School, Stoney Creek and Belmore Road (later King Georges Road) intersection, Dumbleton NSW, c. 1915. Research and Community History collection, LMG15-573.

Public Art

Georges River Council aspires to make public art an everyday experience, recognising its power to tell local stories and foster a sense of place and community identity. Explore some of the recent works created for the Georges River community below.

Image 1: Nature’s Dance at the Beverly Hills Creative Studio.

Image 2: Patrick Hunter outside the Beverly Hills Creative Studio.

Image: Particpants at Patrick Hunter’s ‘Five senses of creativity workshop’ at Beverly Hills Creative Studio, January 2026.

Nature’s Dance

Beverly Hills Creative Studio

Patrick Hunter, aka. InkHunter, is a Sydneybased artist who focuses on art for purpose, and whose mission is to create art that encourages people to connect with nature and leave our planet better than how we found it.

Patrick held a series of community workshops at the Beverly Hills Creative Studio focused on connection, storytelling and creativity, with the final design emerging from this shared experience. He embedded elements created by participants throughout the work, including textured leaf rubbings, interpretations of bird calls and expressive mark-making.

The final artwork is a direct reflection of the Georges River community’s imagination and creativity. This project aims to highlight the Beverly Hills Creative Studio as a place where creativity is sparked by the senses and shared by the community. Patrick said it “will stand as a vibrant and welcoming marker for the space and a celebration of the many ways people express themselves”.

Artist in Residence

The Georges River Artist in Residence program offers artists dedicated time and space to develop new work, experiment with ideas, and engage with the local community through public programs. Based at the Carss Park Artist’s Cottage, the residency includes free accommodation for up to three months and welcomes local, regional, and international artists across a wide range of art forms.

Lada Dedić

13 July – 30 August 2026

Lada Dedić is a full-time travelling artist and maker. Her multi-disciplinary investigative approach explores themes of science & art, and playful cartography. Having a peculiar relationship with direction has led her to make unconventional maps, sure to send even the most seasoned navigator on an unexpected adventure.

Artist workshops (Bookings via our website):

Contemplative Cartography: Make a Map

Multiple drop-in sessions throughout July and August

Conversation with the artist and map exchange

Saturday 29 August

Bernice Hopper

7 September – 2 October 2026

Bernice is a textile and mixed media artist based in the West Midlands of England. Her textile pieces predominantly feature hand-dyed and printed fabrics or papers, combined through both hand and machine stitching. Bernice’s work often explores themes connected to specific locations and during her residence she plans to explore the themes of captivity, freedom and identity.

Images: Portrait images courtesy of the artist.

Special Programs

We offer vibrant year-round programs for all ages that are designed to inspire learning, spark creativity, and connect our community through art, culture, and storytelling.

Scan the QR code to view upcoming programs.

Open Days

Woven from a hundred flowers Saturday 18 July, 10.00am – 3.00pm

We’ll start the day with a Nepalese cultural dance performance, and then enjoy a range of free drop-in art activities designed for the whole family. Create your own flag pin, design a mask inspired by those featured in the exhibition, contribute to a large-scale mandala colouring station, or make your own map with Artist in Residence Lada Dedić.

School Holiday Program

Microscopic worlds

Thursday 16 July, $9.00

Learn how to use a real microscope and explore the beauty of cells. Let’s paint the hidden world!

Session 1: 10.30am – 11.45am, 5-7 yrs

Session 2: 2.00pm – 3.15pm, 8-12 yrs

Colouring Station

During opening hours, Free

Pull up a chair in our Snapshot Gallery while the kids get into some colouring in (or join in the fun yourself!).

Themes:

NAIDOC Week: 1-31 July

Local Government Week: 1-9 August

Father’s Day: 1-18 September

Mid-Autumn festival: 19-27 September

Image left: Laligurans Dance Group performing at the opening night of Woven from a hundred flowers, Friday 1 May 2026.

Children’s Programs

Baby Explorers

Babies up to 12 months with a parent/carer | $5.50

A fun program designed for little ones and their carers. Each session includes stories and songs in our colourful sensory pit, a guided tour of the current exhibition, and a special monthly activity to explore new sights, sounds and textures. A playful way to discover art together!

Music

Thursday 9 July, 10.30 - 11.45am

Dancing

Thursday 13 August, 10.30 - 11.45am

Puppets

Thursday 10 September, 10.30 - 11.45am

Mini Maker

3 - 5 years with a parent/carer | $9.00

Kids and their carers will explore sensory processes through song, stories, art and craft to develop skills together.

Magical mosaics

Let’s experiment with materials and shapes together.

Saturday 25 July

10.30 - 11.45am & 2.00 - 3.15pm

Clay and play

Use your hands to make clay shapes.

Saturday 22 August

10.30 - 11.45am & 2.00 - 3.15pm

Playdough and play

Learn how to make playdough and let’s see what we can create!

Saturday 26 September 10.30 - 11.45am & 2.00 - 3.15pm

Artzone

8 - 12 years | $9.00

This art class is designed to provide passionate artmaking kids the opportunity to explore various art techniques, materials and themes.

Kaleidoscope art & mandalas

Explore colours and symmetry in this program linked to our current main gallery exhibition Woven from a hundred flowers.

Saturday 11 July, 10.30 – 11.45am

Art/Play/Make

6 - 8 years | $9.00

Kids will have the opportunity to play, experiment and creatively explore the world of art.

Watercolour mountains

Let’s experiment with watercolours and create a piece of art inspired by our exhibition Woven from a hundred flowers

Saturday 4 July, 10.30 - 11.45am

Cherry blossoms

Discover the magic of the Cherry Blossom Festival while learning acrylic painting.

Saturday 1 August, 10.30 - 11.45am

Little big artists

Get creative in this fun drawing workshop, using prompts to inspire bold and imaginative ideas.

Saturday 5 September, 10.30 - 11.45am

Adult Programs

Art in the Afternoon

Adults 16+ years | $28.50

Mask making

Over two sessions, create your own unique mask in a hands-on beginner-friendly workshop, inspired by the current masks on display in main gallery exhibition Woven from a hundred flowers. Participants must be available to attend both workshop dates at the time of booking. Led by Kassandra Bossell.

Sunday 12 July and 9 August, 2.30 - 4.30pm

The language of ink

Join us for this hands-on ink workshop which introduces participants to the foundations of Chinese brush practice through movement, rhythm, and mark-making. Led by Bryan Mew.

Sunday 13 September, 2.30 - 4.30pm

Image credit: Sheep mask by sculptor, Kassandra Bossell. Photos by Kassandra Bossell.

Getting here

Location

14 MacMahon St, Hurstville

Admission

Free Entry

Opening hours

Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Contact us

(02) 9330 6444 museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Follow us fi @hurstvillemuseumgallery

Scan the QR code to join our newsletter and be the first to hear about new events, special programs, and behind-the-scenes updates.

Parking

A carpark is located next to the Hurstville Museum & Gallery on MacMahon Street.

Public Transport

Train services to Hurstville run on the South Coast and Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra lines. Both the Bus Interchange and Hurstville Station are a 5-minute walk to Hurstville Museum & Gallery. For further details and to plan your trip, visit: transportnsw.info/trip

Accessibility

Accessible Parking: Two accessible spaces available in the MacMahon Street carpark.

Wheelchair Access: All public areas in Hurstville Museum & Gallery are wheelchair accessible.

Assistance Animals: Guide Dogs and Companion Dogs welcome; dog bowl provided.

Accessible Bathroom: Located in Main Gallery; includes fold-down baby change table.

Companion Cards: Accepted for ticketed events.

Visitor Support: Social stories and visual planning guides available online for visitors with sensory sensitivities.