Mark Beretta, the familiar face of Australia’s morning television, has found a new chapter in his personal life with Renata Hickson, a decorated soldier and activist. This revelation comes amid a year of significant personal change for the 59-year-old Sunrise veteran, who has been navigating the emotional waters of a career transition, family loss, and newfound love.
Renata Hickson, known for her impressive military career and current role as National Operations and Impact Manager with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, has been a steadfast support for Beretta during these challenging times. The couple was recently seen enjoying a leisurely stroll in Balmoral, Sydney, appearing very much in sync and at ease with each other.
Behind the Scenes: A Year of Transition
The announcement of Beretta’s relationship with Hickson follows a series of personal upheavals. Earlier this year, Beretta hinted at a “special friend” who was helping him through his exit from Sunrise, the passing of his father David, and his mother Joan’s ongoing battle with cancer. He shared, “Dad loved her, which is great. She’s great.”
Mark’s bond with Renata was evident even before their relationship became public. In October, he posted a photo with Renata at Admiralty House, Sydney, alongside Governor General Sam Mostyn, marking the occasion of an event for the New York City Marathon runners. This image, now in retrospect, underscores Renata’s supportive presence during pivotal moments in Beretta’s life.
Renata Hickson: A Profile in Excellence
Renata Hickson hails from Hobart, Tasmania, and her credentials are nothing short of remarkable. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Tasmania, along with a Master of Teaching. Her military career spans 17 years, during which she became Australia’s first female Tank Squadron Commander in a combat role.
Her service includes being a lead planner for the United States Special Operations Command in Syria, earning her multiple commendations. Currently, she is dedicated to empowering First Nations voices through her work with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, a testament to her commitment to social impact.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Mark Beretta’s personal life has been under public scrutiny following his marriage split from Rachel, whom he married in 2001. The couple, who met in 1999, confirmed their separation in October 2023 after 22 years of marriage. They share two children, Ava and Ben, and are grandparents to Ava’s son, Arlo.
In a statement, Beretta expressed the amicable nature of their separation: “At the start of the year, after a great deal of reflection and 22 years of marriage, Rach and I came to the conclusion that a separation was best for us. We remain good friends, and our two children and grandchildren remain our focus and priority as we move forward with love, dignity, and respect.”
A Year Marked by Loss and Reflection
Beretta’s year has been marked by profound loss and reflection. In September, he announced the death of his father, David, with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Kind, generous, adventurous, good fun, hard-working, and loving,” he wrote. “I will always be proud of being Dave’s son.”
Support from colleagues, including Sam Mac, Edwina Bartholomew, Larry Emdur, Kylie Gillies, and Dr. Chris Brown, poured in, highlighting the impact of his father’s passing on the Sunrise community.
Amidst these changes, Beretta also embraced the joy of becoming a grandfather, calling it “the best” experience and expressing his eagerness to teach his grandson Arlo to say “cool Pa.”
The Future for Mark Beretta
As family responsibilities grow, Beretta has decided to step away from his role at Sunrise after 22 years. His final show is set to air on December 12, marking the end of an era for the beloved sports presenter. “After a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away,” he said. “Losing Dad to cancer two months ago, and Mum fighting on against the disease, has made me see the world a little differently. Family time has become even more important.”
As Mark Beretta turns a new page in his personal and professional life, the support of Renata Hickson appears to be a significant and stabilizing force. Their relationship, emerging from the shadows, adds a new dimension to Beretta’s journey of resilience and renewal.
