He has been behind some of the biggest social media campaigns of the past three years, but at the age of 27, Sam McLean, the national director of GetUp! is stepping down.

Mr McLean has resigned from the activist organisation, with chief of projects Paul Oosting to take his place as acting national director.

Sam McLean, right, pictured with the GetUp! former national director Simon Sheikh. Credit:Tamara Dean

In words reminiscent of the departure of the previous national director Simon Sheikh three years ago, Mr McLean said he was leaving for a break and his board have suggested he "go lie on the beach".

But it won't be a long rest, with the campaigner planning to take some time to visit remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia facing closure.