Over the last two years, the decision to hold ncyc11 over New Year’s Eve certainly raised a few eyebrows and more than a few questions.

Would people still want to attend? Would the risks and challenges outweigh the benefits? Can an event be run to compete with one of the biggest party nights of the year?

Fa Ngaluafe, ncyc11 Linking Coordinator had dream for New Year’s Eve at NCYC based on her experiences in her country of origin, Tonga.

“What I loved growing up was sitting in church, being in prayer and praying for the year that was to come and the goals and visions for that year and then being able to remember it,” said Fa.

“A lot of young people go get wasted and make up these New Year’s resolutions and they can’t really remember it the next day. 

“Being on the Gold Coast, we wanted to create a party atmosphere where no one would want to leave because it’s pumping right here.

“You don’t need any alcohol, you don’t need any drugs to have a great time and for young people to experience that and to know ‘I can be all good, I can be with friends, I can have music playing and have a good time.’

“It’s not a boring thing and it’s not a nerdy thing either, this is where it’s at.”

Comments on the ncyc11 Facebook page and during the event suggest that the night was a success.

“I had the most awesome night at NCYC11 on the Gold Coast and the Tongan feast was beautiful,” said one.

“Simply amazing,” and “EPIC” were among other posted comments.

The day began as a normal NCYC day—community time, small groups and Bible studies, followed by electives.

Then, at seven pm, celebrations kicked off with a DJ, dance party and competitions in the auditorium, while in the foyer intense battles heated up over cards, twister, Wii and XBox, while outside dodge ball and ‘minute to win it’ challenges were frenetic.

At 9.30 pm, everyone gathered once again in the auditorium as the dance party turned to a praise party, with three worship bands and praise songs mixed into everyday music.

“Then we slowed things down to focus on worship and sat around our big cross on the floor and our guest speakers each spoke for about 10 minutes,” said Fa.

“Milton is one of our indigenous youth leaders from Victoria and spoke about moving forward to 2011.

“So we physically moved forward and went to the soccer fields where Lu, our Tongan minister and singers were waiting.

“We had sort of a recommitment service—instead of seeing fireworks just representing the new year, we can remember the things we have done at NCYC.”

During this time, at least one hundred young people came forward to pray in groups and recommit to God.

“I was sitting on the ground while the Tongans were singing, crying because I felt so blessed to be part of this moment, this new commitment together,” said Fa.

“And then, you think it’s all over, but it’s not—we finished with a big Islander style feed and said ‘let’s get fat together!’”

The whole of ncyc11 was blessed as Fa’s family served the food they had prepared in traditional style.

Check out some photos from New Year’s Eve at www.ncyc11.com.au/downloads.