2026 marked STORMCo’s 21st visit to Nyngan in central New South Wales—a significant milestone representing more than two decades of consistent service and deepening friendships within the community.
The visit, however, almost didn’t happen. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding fuel availability across rural and regional NSW placed the trip in doubt. Yet, thanks to the support and generosity of Glen Neill, Mayor of Bogan Shire Council, the STORMCo program was able to proceed.
During their time in Nyngan, Mr Neill visited the STORMCo team at Larkin Oval, personally thanking the volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the local community. In a gesture of appreciation, leader Roshelle Fraser presented the Mayor with a STORMCo shirt—symbolising both gratitude and the strong partnership that continues to support this long-standing initiative.
STORMCo—Service To Others Really Matters—is an adventure-based, short-term service initiative focused on friendship and community engagement. Led by the Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist Church, the program has been visiting Nyngan since 2005, running free kids’ club activities for local children as well as afternoon youth activities during the school holidays.
The 2026 program, held April 7–10, ran daily from 10am, transforming O’Reilly Park into a vibrant hub of laughter and music, with more than 90 children attending on average each day.
“STORMCo is built on five foundations—no agenda, no expectations, no walls, no limits and no fear,” Mrs Fraser said. “When we enter a community, we listen first, and then we serve wherever there is a need, without expecting anything in return.”
This year’s team included 50 volunteers, with 33 students from Years 10–12—many from Hills Adventist College (HAC). Year 10 HAC student Kiah Vekria, shared, “Coming to STORMCo in Nyngan was a great experience. This trip has given me more than I have given to it. I’ve built new relationships within the team, and it has helped me grow closer to God and better understand what it means to serve.”
During the visit, the STORMCo clowns, along with several team members, visited residents at the local nursing home, bringing energy, fun and connection.
Nyngan Health Service manager Jenny Griffiths shared her appreciation: “It was wonderful to see STORMCo visit the Nyngan Health Service. The residents loved the clowning and singing. The one-on-one chats brightened their day and brought smiles to many faces. They are still talking about it—please come back!”
