Making History
News Corp Story
04 March 2025
WA Surrogacy was featured in News Corp Australia's state mastheads:
Victoria: Herald Sun, New South Wales: The Daily Telegraph, Queensland: The Courier-Mail, South Australia: The Advertiser, Tasmania: The Mercury & Northern Territory: Northern Territory News
The WA story is gaining traction. It's time for change.
WA Voices Support our Campaign
14 February 2025
Within 4 weeks of introducing the surrogacy campaign, a staggering 3,400 emails were sent to WA politicians, asking them to support the proposed surrogacy reforms and help all Australians have their children on Australian Soil.
You can also have your say in this campaign by clicking on the link the picture.
Channel 7 News
16 January 2025
GDWA were asked to give their views on the current surrogacy legislation for its proposed release mid 2025.
Click on the picture to learn more.
The West Newspaper
17 January 2025
Gay Dads WA give feedback on the proposed surrogacy reforms to be implemented mid 2025.
Click on the picture to learn more.
WAs Commitment to Reform
15 January 2025
GDWA received a letter from the Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson, WA Minister for Health, recognising the commitment and advocacy for legislative surrogacy reform. There was also acknowledgement of the disappointment in the delays. If Labor is re-elected then they will implement the reforms in the first half of 2025.
Click on the picture to learn more.
Campaign To Allow WA to Have Children
11 January 2025
Gay Dads WA have created a campaign to inform and influence WA politicians to push through the much-needed surrogacy reforms to allow all Western Australians to have children through surrogacy on WA soil.
You can also have your say in this campaign by clicking on the link the picture.
Surrogacy & Donor Seminar
25 November 2024
GDWA were guest speakers at the Annual Perth Surrogacy and Donor Seminar hosted by Growing Families. Parents and our children, born through surrogacy, shared their stories at the event to inform and inspire intended parents on their own journey.
Click on the picture to learn more.
Pride Parade 2024
24 November 2024
Gay Dads WA participated in the Perth Pride Parade for the third year, supported by our friends and families. The event was a great celebration with acceptance towards LGBTQIA+ parents and their families in the WA Community.
Click on the picture to learn more.
Fairday Event
17 November 2024
GDWA partnered with Playgroups with Pride and Rainbow Families to host a tent at the annual Perth PrideFest Fairday event. It was an opportunity to showcase the support groups available to LGBTQIA+ parents and their families in WA.
Rainbow Families WA Pride Picnic
10 November 2024
Gay Dads WA collaborated with Playgroups with Pride, Rainbow Families, Parties Kids Remember, Graze Today, Walkenbook, Pride WA and the City of Bayswater to deliver an unforgettable family day event for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Click on the picture to learn more.
ABC News - WA Gay Dads Story
13 October 2024
The ABC shared the story of Joel, a Western Australia (WA) based man, moving out of state due to the WA surrogacy laws, and the wonderful relationship he established with his Tasmanian based surrogate, Jesse. The current legislation forces Australians either out of state or overseas to fulfil their dream of becoming parents.
Click on the picture to learn more.
Launch of Pride In Law WA Chapter
5 September 2024
Gay Dads WA were invited to the official launch of Pride in Law WA Chapter held at the Perth WA Supreme Court Building. Pride in Law is Australia’s first and only LGBTQIA+ Association for legal professionals.
The event was hosted by Thomas Wilson, President of the WA Chapter, with a keynote address by the Honourable Justice Kathleen (Kate) Glancy.
Click on the picture to learn more.
Pride Professionals Guest Speaker
4 September 2024
Paul Hadfield-Jia, from Gay Dads WA, was asked to share his journey at a Pride Professionals networking event hosted at Gilbert + Tobin. The speech not only included his story of becoming a parent, but also talked about the need for legislative change and the advocacy work being conducted by the community.
Click on the picture to learn more.
Community Joint Statement
29 August 2024
Lead by Equality Australia, Gay Dads WA joined the LGBTIQ+ communities across Australia to express our dismay and frustration at the federal government’s recent census decision.
Click on the picture to learn more.
SBS Dateline
28 July 2024
Gay dads, Anthony and Joseph, share their story of how they had to navigate the horrific changes in Thai surrogacy laws during the birth of their daughter, and move to another country.
Click on the picture for more information.
National Families Week
19 May 2024
With the 2024 theme ‘Celebrating Family Diversity & Connections’, we hosted a community picnic event in Kings Park WA. We brought together Rainbow Families, Rainbow Families Western Australia, Western Australia Surrogacy Group, Gay Dads Western Australia, Playgroups With Pride WA and more, recognising how diverse families can be and the importance of community connections and sharing our stories.
Also attending on behalf of the Premiers Office, the Hon. Peter Foster MLC and on behalf of the Department of Health, the Hon. Pierre Yang.
Statement with Equality Australia
17 April 2024
GDWA with Equality Australia comment on WA Legislative Reforms:
“Gay Dads WA look forward to seeing the completion of the proposed Surrogacy reforms to allow better access to/through surrogacy, provide access to surrogacy to all genders in WA, and have birth certificates corrected to list both parents which will allow legislative protections for those children born through surrogacy.”
Click on the picture for more information.
WA Law Reforms
16 April 2024
With news surrounding the initial LGBTQIA+ reforms and the abolishment of the Gender Reassignment Board for Trans and Gender-Diverse Western Australians., the WA Government confirms its intention to make law reforms in ART and Surrogacy:
"The Government also remains committed to development of new legislation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy and intends to introduce reforms to Parliament as soon as possible".
Click on the picture for more information.
Meeting WA Premier Roger Cook
21 March 2024
GDWA with members of Surrogacy WA, had the honour of meeting the Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, with Peter Foster MLC.
The Premier listened attentively to our stories and shared his compassion and determination for enabling Australians to have Australian children on Australian soil. He talked about the importance of families and community and his commitment to make legislative change for WA families.
It was an honour to have had this opportunity with the Premier and we, like so many other WA families, look forward to seeing the new laws that will impact future families and create protections for children born through surrogacy.
Click on the picture for more information.
Speaking to Members of Parliament
February 2024
During February 2024, we met with Bill Johnstone MLA, Stuart Aubrey MLA, Katrina Stratton MLA and Dr Jags Krishnan MLA, to share real life stories and advocate for law reform.
Sunday Times Letter
1 1 February 2024
Letter to the Sunday Times regarding the new WA Laws. Continuing to raise awareness of the inequalities in Western Australian children, born through international surrogacy agreements.
WA Roundtable
8 February 2024
GDWA was invited to a WA roundtable with Ruby Susan Mountford, Specialist Advisor for SOGII at the Australian Human Rights Commission and Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner. The meeting had wide representation from the community including Pride WA, GRAI, Rainbow Futures WA, Youth Pride Network, WAAC, Living Proud, PFLAG WA, Queer Liberation Boorloo, Gay Dads WA, Avery Wright, David Goncalves and Alyce Schotte.
It was an great opportunity to share the views and ideas of diverse WA LGBTIQA+ individuals, families, and communities on the current challenges, threats, and opportunities facing us, and what changes are needed to remove discrimination and prejudice.
Click on the picture for more information.
Community Coming Together
January 2024
GDWA received outstanding support from our community base in promoting the campaign. Including Rainbow Futures WA, Rainbow Families WA, Perth & Southern Perth Gay Guys, Perth Rainbow Community, Perth LGBTI+ Community, Perth Queer Community, Playgroups With Pride WA, Gay Intended Dads Australia, Western Australia Surrogacy Group, Rainbow Families of Perth, Pride In Law, Growing Families and more
Pride In Law Support
31 January 2024
Pride In Law, a nationwide Australian LGBTQIA+ group, reflected on the need for legislative change in WA and raised how GDWA have been major advocates in the surrogacy space.
Click on the picture for more information.
Petition for Awareness
30 January 2024
Western Australians struggle for surrogacy rights. All we want is to be able to raise a child in a stable and loving home. If you are in support the changes then please click on the picture and help spread the word.
Sky News on WA Laws
29 January 2024
Brad, his partner Trent and barrister Rachel Oakley speak out on Sky News on the outdated laws and discrimination in WA.
Click on the picture for more information.
Sky News Australia - The Pope’s Statement
9 January 2024
Sam Everingham speaks out to Sky News Australia about the Pope’s comments on Surrogacy and the inequality in Western Australia.
Click on the picture for more information.
Meetings with WA Ministers
December 2023
Gay Dads WA meet with a range of WA Ministers to raise awareness of the ‘All Kids are Equal’ Campaign and the need to support the new WA Surrogacy Legislation. Meetings occurred with the Minister of Finance Hon. Sue Ellery, representatives of the Minister of Health, Hon. Stephen Dawson and Hon. Peter Foster.
Perth Now PrideFEST
25 November 2023
GDWA were featured on Perth Now as part of the recording of the parade. We were 5th in the Perth Parade line up.
Click on the picture for more information.
PrideFEST 2023 Parade
25 November 2023
GDWA doubled it’s participants in this year’s Pride Parade. It was a great opportunity for Gay Dads and their Supports to shine, and also great fun for the kids too.
Rainbow Futures WA Support
20 November 2023
Rainbow Futures WA announce an update on the advocacy for legislative change within WA, mentioned GDWA support for Surrogacy and ART change.
Click on the picture for more information.
City of Bayswater Event
19 November 2023
The City of Bayswater and Steam Haus Café invite Gay Dads WA to talk about their personal journeys to becoming and being gay parents, providing guidance and support for other intended parents.
Pride in Parliament
16 November 2023
Representatives of GDWA were invited to attend the launch of ‘Parliamentary Friends of LGBTQIA+ Community’ at Parliament House in WA. The event brought together many of the WA community groups including Rainbow Labor, Pride WA, Living Proud, GRAI, Rainbow Futures WA, PFLAG, Frontrunners and VicPark Pride, just to name a few.
Click on the picture for more information.
Surrogacy Seminar
2 November 2023
Representatives from Gay Dads WA participated in the Annual Perth Surrogacy Seminar led by Sam Everingham of Growing Families.
We were very proud to see some of our children speak about their own experiences and views of being born through surrogacy.
Rainbow Futures WA
8 September 2023
GDWA partnered with Rainbow Futures WA to promote awareness and advocate for change in WA Surrogacy Legislation.
Click on the picture for more information.
Pride WA Support
6 August 2023
Pride WA, together with the City of Perth, continue to support GDWA by allowing our community to utilise their office space for our family event, as well as to raise awareness of our group within the wider community.
Click on the picture for more information.
Meeting the WA Health Minister
6 August 2023
GDWA held a social event at the Pride WA offices, bringing together prospective gay dads and gay dads with children. The event had entertainers providing face painting, balloon twisting, games, book reading with food and drinks.
There was a special visit from the Western Australia Health Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson, showing her support for our community group.
Click on the picture for more information.
ABC On-Air
5 August 2023
Craig and Stephen from Gay Dads WA spoke to the ABC about how the changes to the WA surrogacy laws will impact them as potential parents., and how the changes are very welcomed.
Marty Kavanagh shares his views about how the new laws will allow legal recognition of parents that had their children through international surrogacy.
Click on the picture for more information.
ABC Online
5 August 2023
Marty Kavanagh, Family Lawyer and long-standing advocate for GDWA, talks about how the new laws will allow the legal recognition of parents, that had their children through international surrogacy.
Craig and Stephen from Gay Dads WA talk to the ABC about how the changes to the WA surrogacy laws will impact them as potential parents.
Click on the picture for more information.
ABC Radio
25 May 2023
With the announcement of reforms to WA surrogacy legislation, Lucas from GDWA talks on Perth Radio about how these changes are welcomed by the community as well as telling us about the wonderful journey he and his husband experienced as new parents.
Click on the picture for more information.
Podcast Stories
23 May 2023
Gay Dads WA had the opportunity to talk about the joys of parenting and the current challenges of being a parent within Western Australia. This fun and informative podcast can be listened to on the ‘We Need Therapy’ Podcast Series.
Click on the picture for more information.
Website Launch
28 April 2023
The GDWA webpage was created to raise community awareness and acceptance of queer families and to give people, regardless of gender, guidance on starting their own family journeys, if the traditional route isn’t an option.
The site was created with the support of Pride WA.
Click on the picture for more information.
Pride March
26 November 2022
GDWA, for the first time, participated in the Perth PrideFEST march. We had gay dads, their families and supporters march and received and incredibly warm welcome from the crowd. Our intention was to raise awareness and acceptance of gay dads and their families in the community.
Click on the picture for more information.
Change Petition
13 October 2022
GDWA participated in an e-petition to influence positive changes for queer people in the WA community, in particular in relation to queer families.
Rainbow Talks
14 November 2020
Dr Greg Chang and Marty Kavanagh participate in the Perth PrideFEST 2020 Rainbow Talks. Greg shared his story on surrogacy while Marty gave an overview of the current legislation within WA.
WA Submission
16 March 2018
Gay Dads WA, together with Marty Kavanagh, made a submission to the Government of Western Australia Department of Health regarding the WA Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 and the Surrogacy Act 2008 with the aim of encouraging reforms to the Acts that are inclusive and fair.
Click on the picture for more information.
Nine News
13 January 2018
Michael and Brendon share their story of their journey to surrogacy through Canada with Nine News, with the McGowan government considering changes to Western Australia Surrogacy Laws.
Click on the picture for more information.
Perth Now
4 September 2017
Milton and Choon featured in Perth Now and the Southern Gazette to talk about their parenting journey through fostering. Their two boys have remained in their care and they continue to grow into well rounded individuals.
Key Asset WA introduced Milton and Choon to fostering and are strong supporters of LGBTQIA+ parenting.
Click on the picture for more information.
Sunday Times
21 May 2017
Gay Dads WA members, Anthony and Joseph featured in the Sunday Times to talk about their love for their family while advocating for uniform surrogacy laws in Australia.
At this time, Western Australia legislation is the only state in Australia whose legislation actively discriminates against gay men to stop them participating in altruistic surrogacy arrangements. People seeking to participate in international commercial surrogacy are not automatically formally recognised as parents in the state of WA.
Anthony and Joseph were also strong advocates for Australian Marriage Equality.
Sunday Times Magazine
28 September 2012
Founders of Gay Dads WA, Greg and Mark, feature in the Western Australian, Sunday Times Magazine. They share their journey of becoming parents and their love for their child.
Since the release of this article in 2012, Greg and Mark are now the proud parents to four beautiful girls.
