Canning State Emergency Service was inaugurated in 1984.  The Unit initially met at the Canning Town Hall in George Street, then transferred to the old Post Office Building on the corner of Albany Highway and Ashburton Street.  This building was used for approximately 10 years. Because of no outside parking areas for the unit vehicles, they had to be picked up each training night from the Canning Depot and returned there at the end of training. All Equipment had to be taken out of the trailers and stored in a storeroom at Ashburton Street.  In February 1994 Canning SES together with the City of Canning applied for a Commonwealth Grant and premises were built at the Canning Depot, part of this building is shared with the Council workers.

South Perth joined with Canning to support the unit in the early 90s, by providing additional finance and the donation of a reconnaissance utility vehicle. The units name changed to 'Canning / South Perth SES Unit to reflect the additional support.  From November 2004 through to March 2005 the Units premises where extended and fitted out to provide space to house the 'Flood Rescue Boats' and the replacement to the well used reconnaissance utility, all of which where previously stored out in the weather.

Canning / South Perth HQ April 2005 saw Canning / South Perth celebrating it's 21st Birthday, and reminiscing it's operational record including involvement in the Moora Floods, the Exmouth Cyclone and the South Perth Tornado of 1995.  The Volunteers would like to thank the Cities of Canning and South Perth for the support they have provided over the last 21 years because without it we wouldn't be here today supporting you when you need it.