The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) is the representative association for the volunteers and staff of the NSW Rural Fire Service. 

As part of its ongoing support for the state’s rural firefighters, the RFSA provides annual scholarships for members who are considered to be outstanding representatives of both the RFS and RFSA.

“The scholarships are awarded with the intent of enhancing the recipient’s professional and personal development to provide a higher level of service to the NSW RFS and the community of NSW,” RFSA president Ken Middleton said.

Mr Lewington was awarded the President’s Scholarship to study a Diploma of Business (Governance) at the Institute of Community Directors Australia beginning March 2018.

Volunteering with Tathra’s Rural Fire Brigade since 1997, Mr Lewington holds the rank of senior deputy captain. 

“Governance is the process of decision making and the process by which decisions are implemented,” Mr Lewington said.

“Good governance is extremely important at all levels of both the RFSA and NSW RFS.

“As a still relatively young member I would like to continue advancing through both organisations and I feel this qualification will ensure I am consistently using the best governance practice throughout my journey.”

Mr Lewington said he is keen to use his skills to instruct and assess the NSW RFS code of conduct course.

“The diploma will certainly help me become a better assessor and provide skills that allow me to become a valuable member of any NSW RFS conduct review panels,” he said.

Alongside the professional development scholarships, the RFSA offers a wide range of other support initiatives to help members in their work protecting the community. This includes the sponsorship of training and learning events; the provision of scholarships for relevant educational courses to enhance member’s knowledge and skills and volunteers’ family days that provide a gesture of thanks to members and an introduction to chaplaincy and support services.

Mr Middleton thanked the community for its assistance in making the RFSA professional development scholarships and other support services possible.

“The people of NSW need to be thanked for purchasing tickets in the NSW RFSA raffles, with monies raised going towards the scholarship program, as well as, other support services focused on the Rural Fire Service volunteers throughout NSW.”