Our History:

The idea of a Community for the Nepalese people, managed and operated by the Nepalese people of Sydney was discussed by Laxmi Prakash Magar, Milan Pradhan, Nima Sherpa & Pabi Raj Subba in early 1995. With the number of residents of ethnic Nepalese origin growing steadily, including migrants, students and temporary residents, the need to have a Community based organization that was for the residents of Sydney who were of Nepalese Origin this was an important motivation towards the establishment of the GNC. On 20 September 1995, the Gurkha-Nepalese Community was established. At that time there was only one other Community Association for the Nepalese people, the Nepalese Australian Association. The GNC is for all residents of Sydney, Australia whether permanent or temporary, of Nepalese origin. Mr. Lokman Limbu was elected as the first president, with Mr. Purna Bahadur Limbu as Vice-president and Pabi Raj Subba as Secretary, Jitman Limbu as Treasurer.

Why Gurkha Nepalese Community:

This community has a mix of Nepalese people with various residency status. We do not really think there are that many of us who would not desire to live in this country should we be allowed to do so. In some way or another, each and every one of us are benefiting from the very existence of this country, a country that has such a strong association with the word “Gurkha”. This is because in most conflicts around the world, including Gallipoli and Burma, the ANZACs and the Gurkhas have fought along side each other. Given this background, we feel that the appropriateness of the name of this community - which operates and was established in this country in the service of the people from the country where the word “Gurkha” originated. Every individual, every class, and every sector of the society contributes, either directly or indirectly, towards nation building. History tells us the Gurkhas have done their fare share towards this. Before the Indian economy partially opened up, the Gurkhas used to be one of the few major sources of foreign currency. The Gurkha soldier is, and probably always will be, Nepal's greatest export and claim to fame, other than Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and the Sherpas. It is a name that is recognized and throughout the world and the Community wanted to bring some of that recognition and respect to itself. In using the Gurkha name we acknowledge ourrespected nation as an Independent country with a culture that is unique and rare and something that we wish to continue celebrating in Australia.