Although Mr Lewington in now Deputy of the Tathra Brigade, he first joined the RFS on the Jellat Brigade in 1997 while still in high school.

"I signed up because I thought it was interesting and I wanted to learn new skills and I guess the opportunity to develop those skills is part of the reason, mind you back then it was pretty different, we didn't have the opportunities that the new members have now," said Mr Lewington.

He said the equipment available to teams has been heavily modernised and that teams now have a lot more access additional resources such as aviation resources, as well as training to become more specialised. "Now there are a lot more specialities that young members can get into."

The reason why he kept returning every year during his time as a rural firefighter was mostly due to the comradery between members who "welcome you in like a big family."

He also took the opportunity to participate in nationally recognised courses and firefighting training. His skillset and competency grew and by 2009 he became the branch chair of the RFSA in the Bega Valley.

"The Bega Valley branch of the RFSA looks after the local volunteers and staff from the 25 brigades in the local government area."

His role involved working with members to deliver the provisions that the RFSA does such as representation and member support programs.

Mr Lewington has been described by the organisation as a passionate advocate for his fellow volunteers, with a particular interest in increasing participation amongst younger members. Young members have the ability to join from age 16 in the Bega Valley.

"As someone who joined as a junior myself and then have still maintained that long-term membership, I'm eager to see other people do something similar," he said.

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On Thursday September 2, it was announced by the RFSA that Mr Lewington has been promoted from a role with the organisation's State Council to the Board of Directors, which will transform his focus onto the everyday management of the association.

He has been working with the other ten board members throughout his prior roles within the organisation.

RFSA President Scott Campbell said he is looking forward to working alongside Mr Lewington.

"Jason has a long history of advocacy on behalf of his fellow volunteers and I very much look forward to working with him and my fellow Directors as we support our members in their work protecting the community."

All of Mr Lewington's roles within the organisation have been voluntary, "I fit it into my spare time," he said modestly, "it's mostly weekends and evenings I guess."

On why he feels this work is important, "the RFSA is supporting our RFS members so it's supporting the members to protect the community and we do a fair bit for their families as well, so to me it's rewarding to be able to support the volunteers.

"We also get to advocate for an have a good working relationship with leadership of the RFS and also government, so we become that voice," he said.