The Woodend unit's core roles include storm, floods, search and road crash rescue operations. It also helps police, ambulance and fire services.

Unit controller Dean Gladman has been volunteering for more than six years.

"After changing from a trade to a desk job I didn't want to lose the skills I had and decided that I had something to offer the community," he said.

"The SES provided me with an opportunity to maintain and expand my skills while meeting a whole range of new people."

Mr Gladman said volunteers received comprehensive training and performed a broad range of tasks from communications to operations to public education.

The Woodend unit meets on Monday nights in Urquhart Street, Woodend, and new members are welcome to attend.

Information sessions for people interested in becoming a volunteer are on from 7pm this Thursday and next Tuesday at the unit headquarters in Woodend.

Victorian State Emergency Service is a training organisation and provides nationally accredited training packages including first-aid, general rescue, communications, chainsaw accreditation and workplace assessment.

Details: Dean Gladman, 54272932, or visit www.ses.vic.gov.au