The opening, after six years of fund-raising by the unit, included the blessing of a commemorative garden.

The headquarters was built with a $50,000 grant under the Community Safety Emergency Support program, $25,000 from Mornington Peninsula Shire, $25,000 from the unit's fund-raising and $10,000 from the Federal Government.

The headquarters, on the corner of Frankston-Flinders and Pound roads, include training facilities, a communication centre, equipment storage rooms and a recreation room.

The Hastings unit started in 1989 with a handful of volunteers and one truck. It now has 20 trained volunteers.

The fleet includes two fully equipped rescue trucks, a 4WD and a utility with a storm trailer.

A lighting trailer, one of four in Victoria, can be deployed at short notice to anywhere within the state.

Communications officer Danielle de Natris said: "With the ever expanding population on the Mornington Peninsula, it is vital to maintain high standards and sufficient members."

The 480-square-kilometre area covered by Hastings SES includes Point Leo, Red Hill, Pearcedale, Baxter, Mornington and Mt Martha.

In 2007, the unit received a record 455 call-outs and 408 in 2008.

Hastings unit members helped during the Black Saturday bushfires and assisted Victoria Police at several crime scenes.

"Storm and flood damage incidents make up most of the call-outs for the unit," Ms de Natris said.

Hastings SES can be contacted on 5979 4530 or for emergency assistance 132 500.