TWO generations of Nyngan kids have looked forward to the April school holidays when Sydney-based adventure group STORMco arrives in town on their annual pilgrimage to contribute to the community. 

For 19 years STORMco has come to Nyngan and hosted school holiday activities, as well as carried out community service such as cleaning shop windows and tidying up the ovals. 

STORMco stands for “Service To Others Really Matters” and its members are all part of the Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist Church congregation. 

Last week there were 47 group members in Nyngan who camped at the Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre and ran daily school holiday activities at O’Reilly Park. 

STORMco leader, Roshelle Fraser said the 2023 Nyngan group included volunteers from many different backgrounds. 

“Our team come primarily from our Kellyville Church or year 10-12 students from Hills Adventist College. The team is the most important part of StormCo. Working together means that we can achieve more than on our own. All members, irrespective of their age are expected to be a loyal part of the team, to serve the community and to serve each other,” she said. 

“Each STORMco volunteer pays $160 to go on the Nyngan trip. The Kellyville Church and parents of the children also provide donations of food for our Nyngan visit. 

ABOVE: STORMco volunteer Emmanuel Annar and Pastor Josh Carnie in Nyngan 

Ms Fraser said STORMco was built on five foundations: no agenda - no expectations; no walls; no limits; and no fear. 

“As we enter a community we seek to Listen, then serve where a need can be meet. We don’t expect any compensation and commit to serve, no matter what the need is, or who is in need,” she said. 

“We serve regardless of the faith of those we serve or the faith of the members of the team and we seek to maintain a relationship with the community, year after year. We return and build positive influence in the community.” 

“We are not afraid to stand for a God who prioritised serving others.” 

Pastor Josh Carnie was on his first trip to Nyngan last week, but said many of the parents bringing their children to sessions had attended STORMco sessions themselves when growing up.” 

“Many of them have got to know volunteers as they return each year, and now they’re coming back as parents. It’s a wonderful ongoing connection.” 

STORMco volunteer Iain Lolohea is school captain at Hills Adventist College and studying for his HSC. He took time away from his books to visit Nyngan for the week. 

“This is my second trip out here. We get so much out of giving to the community. These trips are life changing experiences,” he said. 

ABOVE: Nic Go, Iain Lolohea and Ken Long from STORMco in Nyngan 

Fellow year 12 student Nic Go, agreed. 

“I came last year and wanted to return again to see the groups again. When you give, it comes back to you in different ways,” he said. 

Emmanuel Annar, 22, is studying data engineering and business at university and also a member for the Kellyville Adventist Church. 

“I came to Nyngan six years ago with the church and returned this year to see the community again and to show the kids some fun. This experience has taught me leadership skills and also to speak up. It gave me a voice because you have to contribute to be part of a team.” 

Group member Ken Long said a highlight of this year’s trip was an excursion to Henry Parry’s cotton property to experience farm life and have a BBQ by the river. 

ABOVE: Indie Griffiths from Nyngan has her face painted by a STORMco volunteer 

The team also volunteers for community jobs and spent an afternoon cleaning the grandstand at Larkin Oval. 

“We removed the sponsorship signage from underneath the grandstand, swept out underneath the grandstand, cleaned all the signage and replaced it once it was dry,” Mr Long said.  

“The team also vacuumed the change rooms so that they are now spotless, cleaned the drains of the accumulated dirt.” 

Until this year STORMco has camped in the Nyngan Town Hall. This year it took up residence in the BSYCC, enjoying modern facilities and warm showers!