Manilla SES veteran volunteer Vicki Blinman takes over the reins as commander for Peel cluster involving Tamworth region's units

The veteran volunteer has put countless hours into her roles in the State Emergency Service (SES) across the past two decades, with some of that time even served alongside her elderly father and teenage children.

Ms Blinman has taken on the top job as commander of the "Peel cluster" and said she's excited to make the role her own with a special focus on training up the next generation.

"I've always been pretty hands-on and I don't mind getting in and getting dirty," she said.

"I love the organisation and the people I work with, but the number one focus is to keep communities safe and make sure they are prepared for whatever Mother Nature might like to throw at us."

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Ms Blinman will act as a guide and go-to point for volunteer units in Manilla, Barraba, Tamworth and Nundle. She's been leading the Manilla squad, but will now extend her reach.

She has invaluable experience and has been on the tools as a visiting volunteer through some of the nation's most memorable natural disasters, including deployments to help after Cyclone Yasi and the Pasha Bulka storm.

Her experience and grit make her ideal for the job, but Ms Blinman also has a special passion for making sure the SES is strong and successful into the future.

She said it's been positive to see an influx of "very keen" young local recruits come through recently and she said already they cannot believe what they have seen and just how dangerous things can get.

The region is known for severe storms striking, but the floods earlier this year and the shocking tornado in Armidale last month stand out, Ms Blinman said.

The SES will be on hand to help as the storm season strengthens over summer.

"There's definitely a lot of camaraderie ... anywhere in the state you go wearing that orange uniform you are part of a family," she said.

But Ms Blinman and her teams are encouraging the region's residents to prepare.

She said the service is always recruiting for volunteers and people can come along to training nights, have a chat with members and check out information on the SES website.

Ms Blinman said the SES is a very inclusive organisation these days and said there are lots of other strong women in leadership and volunteering positions paving the way, especially out in the countryside.

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