Nearly one-third of calls for help to the emergency service last year came in the last month when storms ravaged central Victoria.

More than 100 of those requests for assistance were received on December 19 and 20 alone. 

The unit was also called upon to help in 74 road rescues in 2017, a 30 per cent rise on the previous 12-month period.

But Bendigo SES spokeswoman Natalie Stanway said it was unclear whether that meant more car crashes were occuring in the region.

A revamp of Victorian road rescue practices last year saw the SES required to turn out to all reports of crashes until they knew every occupant was out of the vehicle.

But a rise in incidences was likely as the population of the region continued to grow, Ms Stanway said.

“That also creates more demand for our services, whether they are rescue related or storm related,” she said. 

The unit celebrated several successes in 2017. Among Ms Stanway’s highlights was the community co-operation on show after the Bureau of Meteorology predicted a severe weather even for early December.

Even though the flooding rains did not eventuate in Bendigo, the warning brought out the best in people, she said.

“The willingness of the public to not only do their own preparations but to look after other people was heartening,” she said.

“We hope that means our preparedness messaging is getting out there and people are preparing their properties.

“One hour of maintenance can save several days of clean-up.” 

She also thanked the community for their cash donations, money that enabled the unit to replace its ageing four-wheel-drive.

They hoped a government pledge for more financial support would soon eventuate so that a rescue truck could also be upgraded.  

“We're able to provide a better response to the community with the use of the new equipment.”

Those interested in becoming a member of the SES will receive their chance later in 2018 when recruitment efforts begin.

Register your interest at www.ses.vic.gov.au/volunteer.