A KEY local welfare organisation, the ERICA Women’s Centre, has secured a vital $37,000 funding injection after Midland MLA Steve Catania honoured a pre-election commitment.

The funding was used to fund a complete upgrade on the centre’s essential technology.

ERICA Women’s Centre, formerly named Midland Women’s Health Care Place, is a welfare organisation that provides comfortable, caring, and inclusive services for women aged 16 and over.

Chief executive officer Linda Malone outlined the essential services the organisation provides.

“We provide one-on-one counselling for women aged 16 and above,” she said.

“We support women in working through some of their challenges, depending on their life circumstances. This can range from women who have just had a baby or are recently pregnant, to dealing with anxiety, depression, life changes, stress, or divorce.”

Ms Malone said she and the rest of the staff at ERICA are profoundly grateful for the support that Mr Catania provided.

“We’re very grateful, we’re thrilled to be able to have this as part of an election promise, because obviously getting that ongoing support is… vital to our service delivery.

“Without his ongoing support and from other supporters in the community, not-for-profit agencies such as ourselves would struggle to survive.

“We’re doing our best to support the community, but without (funding) it makes it difficult for us to continue to evolve and deliver the best services we can.”

The funds will specifically address technology shortfalls, enabling the centre to upgrade everyday equipment like laptops and tablets.

Ms Malone stressed the importance of this investment, noting that strong technology is fundamental to protecting their clients.

“New computers and technology are one of those things that outwardly no one gets to see the benefit, but they provide an essential service for what we need. It is something that is vital for our visitors,” she said.

“Cybersecurity, privacy, confidentiality… if you don’t have the right technology, you can’t provide an adequate service for the most vulnerable women in our community.”

Mr Catania said he was grateful for the work that ERICA does for the community.

“I’m proud to have delivered on my $37,000 election commitment to ERICA Women’s Centre,” he said.

“This funding has enabled ERICA to upgrade essential technology such as laptops and tablets, helping their team work more effectively and efficiently to assist women in our community.

“ERICA provides vital services including crisis support, counselling, workshops, and empowerment programs that make a real difference for women and families in Midland and the eastern region.

“When we invest in organisations like ERICA, we invest in stronger, safer communities, and I’m pleased to see this commitment supporting invaluable work that they do.”