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.
STORMco volunteer Emmanuel Annar and Pastor Josh Carnie in Nyngan
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.
Indie Griffiths from Nyngan has her face painted by a STORMco volunteer
“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.
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.
Nic Go, Iain Lolohea and Ken Long from STORMco in Nyngan
“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.”
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By Abigail McLaughlin, Originally published on Western Plains App
