For Sandgate real estate agent Jacqui McKeering, helping close friends become parents has become one of the most significant experiences of her life.
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The 48-year-old recently gave birth to baby Oliver as a surrogate for Mark Fullerton and Aaron McGillivray, describing the experience as “the most beautiful gift I could ever imagine giving.”
Oliver arrived earlier than expected at 33.5 weeks, transforming months of careful planning into a fast-paced trip to hospital and a one-hour labour. Reflecting on the birth in an Instagram post, Ms McKeering wrote: “Almost this exact time last week, I gave birth to the most beautiful gift I could ever imagine giving… baby Oliver.”
She said the early arrival led to “a comedic drive to the hospital and a whirlwind one-hour delivery”, adding that her pain relief only took effect after Oliver had already been born. Despite the unexpected arrival, she said Oliver was “strong and healthy”.
“The days that followed in our hospital cocoon, the parents and I shared waves of incredibly raw emotions, navigating tears, pain, laughter, and most of all, love,” she wrote.
Ms McKeering said handing Oliver to his parents was an emotional moment before returning to work just days later.
“Returning to work yesterday was a completely surreal gear shift, stepping right back into my ‘old life’ and routine just days after being eight months pregnant feels like absolute twilight-zone whiplash. But I’m back at it with a strange rush of energy and an immense sense of pride in what we achieved.” She also wished Oliver “a lifetime of complete and eternal happiness”.
Surrogacy in Queensland
The birth shines a light on altruistic surrogacy, which is the only form of surrogacy permitted in Queensland. Under Queensland law, a surrogate cannot receive payment beyond the reimbursement of reasonable surrogacy-related costs, with arrangements centred on helping intended parents rather than commercial gain.
The process is carefully regulated and involves legal requirements, independent counselling and fertility treatment before a pregnancy can proceed. Intended parents must also apply for a parentage order after the child’s birth to transfer legal parentage from the birth parent to the intended parents.
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Although surrogacy remains relatively uncommon, it provides an important pathway to parenthood for people who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves or who need the assistance of a surrogate to build their family.
Now back at work in Sandgate, Ms McKeering says she is carrying with her “an immense sense of pride in what we achieved”, reflecting on a journey that has changed the lives of three adults and welcomed a new baby into the world.
Featured image credit: Instagram/Jacqui McKeering
Published 9-July-2026
