Celebrating 30 Years

Three decades of supporting women in Perth’s East Metropolitan region…
…and SURPRISE! We have a new name.

On Friday 29th August, we gathered to celebrate 30 incredible years of service delivered by the staff and volunteers at Midland Women’s Health Care Place (MWHCP).
However, it was not just about the past, it was also about the future…
Following our merger with Nardine Women’s Refuge in 2023, we have been working on something that reflects who we are, what we value, and where we are heading.

ERICA Women’s Centre
Empowerment. Respect. Inclusion. Courage. Authenticity.
ERICA is more than a name – it’s our mission in action. These values spell ERICA – they guide our decisions, shape our work, and define who we are.
Our new name is also a renewed commitment, to every woman who comes through our doors. At ERICA, we remain dedicated to a future where every woman has access to the support, safety, and opportunities she deserves.

Thirty years is a milestone – but it is also just the beginning. We remain deeply committed to providing accessible, professional, and inclusive services for women.
As we step into this new chapter, we thank our partners, funders, community and staff for their continued trust and belief in our work.
The best is yet to come; we invite you to share our journey.

A special thank you also goes to Hon Meredith Hammat MLA, Steve Catania MLA, Hon Parwinder Kaur MLC, Hon Klasey Hirst MLC, and Tanya Richardson for all their support.
Also to Pitcher Partners who generously hosted our event.

ERICA timeline:

1994: Funding secured through the Eastern Region Community Development Council.
August 1995: MWHCP officially opened at its first home on Railway Parade, complete with a logo designed by local artist Jude Taylor.
From emotional counselling and outreach from the Sexual Assault Resource Centre, to support groups on postnatal depression and domestic violence, the Centre quickly became a cornerstone of the community.
1997: Driven by demand and vision, the Centre moved to Morrison Road.
2006: Moved to a purpose-built home at 24 Junction Parade (formerly The Avenue).
Designed by RAD Architecture and supported by Lotterywest, our home – The Val Ferguson Centre – was opened following a traditional smoking ceremony and a sod-turning by the late Mayor Charlie Gregorini and Chairperson Val Ferguson.
1^st July 2023: Nardine Women’s Refuge and MWHCP formally merged, uniting decades of experience and shared commitment to women’s safety and wellbeing.
November 2024: The refuge marked its 50th anniversary – five decades of providing crisis accommodation, safety, dignity, and empowerment for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
August 2025: We proudly mark 30 years since the establishment of MWHCP.
29^th August 2025: MWHCP renamed ERICA Women’s Centre, reflecting the core values that have guided us through decades of growth – Empowerment, Respect, Inclusion, Courage and Authenticity.

Some photos from our special night: