Carnarvon SES unit transformed by leader Elsa Alston and search for Cleo Smith

In Elsa Alston's three years as manager of the Carnarvon SES unit, volunteer numbers have quadrupled.  (ABC Pilbara: Bianca Carbone)

In a matter of years, Elsa Alston has transformed Carnarvon's State Emergency Service (SES) unit from a small squad into a large and fearless family.

"None of us could have predicted how it would turn out or what it would become," Elsa said as she recalled her team's strenuous search for Cleo Smith last year – an experience that bonded the unit.