The STORMCo team recently returned to Nyngan for its 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 BBQ was held on 13 April at O’Reilly Park. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Bogan Shire, Glen Neill, along with Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders including Greater Sydney Conference President Pastor Alban Matohiti, Youth Director Pastor Dejan Stojkovic, and National Director of Youth Ministries Pastor Jeff Parker.
A special commemorative certificate, designed by STORMCo team member Kerri Long, was presented to Mayor Neill by Mrs Fraser and Pastor Parker in recognition of the community’s support and shared journey with STORMCo over the years. Glen Neill, Bogan Shire Mayor “congratulated all of the STORMCo city kids who came to Nyngan over the years”. 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”.
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,” said Mrs Fraser.
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 $160 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 at Hills Adventist 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. 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”
As STORMCo celebrates 20 years in Nyngan, it’s clear the journey has been more than service—it’s been a story of enduring friendship, shared growth, and genuine love for community.
Arianna Chen alias Skittles
The sun rose over Nyngan with its familiar golden glow, and Arianna Chen, Year 11 student from Hills Adventist College, zipped up her colourful clown costume. Today, just like the day before, she would become “Skittles”—the clown who brings joy in the children of Nyngan.
It was Arianna’s second time on a Stormco trip to Nyngan, and somehow, this year felt even more special. With every laugh from the kids, every smile painted across a small cheek, and every silly dance she did in O’Reilly Park, Arianna’s heart swelled. Skittles wasn’t just a costume—she was a channel for kindness, fun, and connection.
She loved it all: the jokes, the games, the squeals of excitement when the children ran up asking for the “Skittles face paint.” Just as the STORMCo face painting team paint each face with love, Skittles paints memories that will last after the STORMCo team leaves the town.
One day, Delilah, one of the local girls, came up with wide eyes and a quiet voice. “Skittles,” she said, tugging gently at Arianna’s sleeve, “ever since you came to Stormco, I’ve had so much fun being with you. I love having you around.”
Arianna knelt down, touched. “That means the world to me, Delilah,” she said, giving her a big smile. “You’re the reason I love coming here.”
As the week went on, Arianna kept laughing, and serving—because for her, STORMCo wasn’t just about the fun. It was about building something deeper, one colourful moment at a time.
Twenty Years of STORMCo: Memories from Sam Hicks
For Sam Hicks, STORMCo has been part of her life for two decades—starting as a 12-year-old in 2005 and continuing today as a parent bringing her own children along to share in the experience.
“I think what I remember most from my early STORMCo days was the dancing and the happy atmosphere,” Sam recalls. “All the singing was so much fun. I felt accepted, and I just loved spending the day surrounded by friends.”
Sam began bringing her children to STORMCo in 2009. “My daughter has come along every year since then—this is actually the first year she hasn’t been able to make it,” she said. “I love coming back because my kids are now having the same kind of experience I had as a teenager: the sense of community, the laughter, the dancing, the face painting… and of course, Duck Man.”
One of Sam’s fondest memories is how the spirit of STORMCo stayed alive even after the team had gone. “Once everything was back to normal and we were sitting in class at high school, someone would start tapping a rhythm on the table… and suddenly, we’d all join in singing the STORMCo songs: ‘I said a boom chicka boom, I said a boom chicka boom, I said a boom chicka-rocka chicka-rocka chicka boom!’
The whole school could hear it, and the other classrooms would join in too. We were all from different friend groups and backgrounds, but STORMCo was something we all had in common. Everyone knew the songs—it connected us. It brought our community together, and it was just the best.”
Looking to the future, Sam is already planning for the next generation. “My youngest will come to STORMCo next year once she’s walking. We absolutely love STORMCo, and I’m so grateful it’s still going strong. I can’t wait for the day I get to bring my grandchildren.”
By Ken Long
