The STORMCo team from Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist Church (Sydney, NSW) recently returned to Nyngan for their 20th visit, celebrating two decades of service, friendship and meaningful community engagement.
Reflecting on the milestone, STORMCo team leader Roshelle Fraser shared, “We’ve had an amazing time connecting with the town of Nyngan for our 20-year anniversary. We love coming back each year to run our morning kids’ club for 5-12 year-olds and to help facilitate the Nyngan youth program in the afternoons. We feel a deep connection to this community. Seeing familiar faces year after year is incredibly special, and the ongoing support we receive from local families means so much to us.”
To mark the occasion, a community barbecue was held on April 13 at O’Reilly Park. Among those in attendance were the Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill and Adventist Church leaders including Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) president Pastor Alban Matohiti, GSC youth director Pastor Dejan Stojkovic and Australian Union Conference youth director Pastor Jeff Parker.
A special commemorative certificate, designed by STORMCo team member Kerri Long, was presented to Mr Neill by Mrs Fraser and Pastor Parker in recognition of the community’s support and shared journey with STORMCo over the years.
Mr Neill congratulated the STORMCo volunteers for their years of service. It was a “big commitment to spend time in Nyngan but it was great to see these young people taking the opportunity to help others and I hope that our youth here get the same message”, he said.
The celebration was a lively, family-friendly affair, featuring a jumping castle, face painting, balloon animals and games. “We’re always excited to reconnect with old friends and welcome new ones—especially during such a significant celebration,” Mrs Fraser said.
Kellyville church’s associate pastor Josh Carnie reflected on the guiding principles that have sustained the STORMCo mission: “STORMCo is built on five foundations: no agenda, no expectations, no walls, no limits and no fear. When we enter a community, we listen first, and then serve wherever there’s a need—without expecting anything in return.”
STORMCo, which stands for Service To Others Really Matters, is a short-term, adventure-based service program that focuses on building relationships and supporting communities. Since 2005, the Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist Church-led initiative has run free school holiday kids’ clubs in Nyngan, growing to a team of 68 volunteers—55 of whom are teenagers—many returning year after year.
Each volunteer contributes both their time and resources, covering their own expenses with a $A160 contribution. “Most of our volunteers come from Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist Church and Hills Adventist College,” explained Mrs Fraser, who also serves as head of PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) at the college. “The church community and our parents are incredibly generous, donating food and supplies to support our mission in Nyngan plus we spend quite a bit of money in the local community.”
The spirit of service runs deep within the team, fostering not just community impact but also personal growth. “Every member, regardless of age, plays a vital role,” said Mrs Fraser. “It’s that sense of unity and dedication that has sustained our mission for 20 years. I love leading this group of young Christians who give their time and energy to serve in Nyngan. Their passion touches lives—both in the community and within our own team.”
Karen Tyler, a teacher and craft coordinator with STORMCo for the past two years, echoed that sentiment. “I love STORMCo because it gives me the chance to make a difference in children’s lives,” she said. “Craft time, games and kids’ club create memories that last. Seeing the joy and excitement on their faces is so inspiring. It reminds me how powerful kindness and teamwork can be. STORMCo helps me grow just as much as it blesses the kids we serve. Plus I get the wonderful opportunity to serve with my daughter, Chiara.”
