The Community Is Thriving! Reflections from our National Conference – Melbourne 2025 

There’s something truly special about being in a space filled with people determined to create family, not just for themselves, but for others too. 

This past weekend’s National Conference in Melbourne was one of the most heartening we’ve experienced in years. The energy, warmth and openness in the room was unmistakable; a clear reminder that our community is not only alive, but thriving. With so many new faces, returning families, and powerful conversations throughout the weekend, it’s evident that our shared mission is gaining strength and momentum. 

The conference was structured over two days to reflect the different paths intended parents might take, with Saturday focused on domestic surrogacy in Australia and Sunday dedicated to international options. This allowed us to explore each journey in depth and offer tailored insights from experts, parents, and surrogates alike. 

Saturday: Domestic Surrogacy

Saturday’s program brought together local surrogates, counsellors, lawyers and parents for deep discussions around what it means to build families within Australia. Standout sessions included: 

• “Counselling – Looking After All Parties” with Sarah Nowoweiski and Rita Alesi, who spoke with empathy and honesty about supporting the emotional wellbeing of intended parents, surrogates, and donors throughout the journey. 
• “Australian Surrogacy Laws & Parentage Orders” with Sarah Wainwright, who provided clear, practical guidance on navigating Australia’s legal framework; a critical session for anyone considering a local pathway. 
• The always-moving Surrogate Panel, where attendees heard directly from surrogates about their experiences, motivations, and the meaningful relationships they’ve built along the way. 

Sunday: International Pathways

Sunday’s focus on international options brought in global perspectives, practical advice, and real-world experiences from those who have walked the cross-border path. 

Highlights included: 

• A Q&A Panel on Working With Smaller IVF Clinics, featuring Dr. Vuk Jovanovic and Minoos Hosseinzadeh, which explored how smaller, more personalised clinics can offer flexible and effective care for intended parents. 
• “US Surrogacy – Surviving the Process” with “Sassy Scott” O’Halloran, whose candid, energetic session broke down what it really takes to manage the US process, emotionally, financially, and logistically. 
• “The Reality – Outcomes for Kids”, with Tamzin McLean, Remy Caithness, Lia Russell, and Alyssa Booth; a powerful and heartfelt panel that gave attendees real insight into what it means to grow up in families formed through surrogacy and donor conception. 

Thank You to Our Community

Events like this aren’t possible without the collective efforts of many. To our incredible sponsors: thank you for backing our mission and helping us create safe, informative spaces for families to begin or continue their journeys. 

To our ambassadors and committee members, who volunteer their time and expertise: your presence brings heart and authenticity to every event we run. 

To our staff team, thank you for your dedication and hard work behind the scenes.  

And to all the parents, surrogates, and supporters who showed up — thank you. You are the reason this community is thriving.