Mark Beretta’s mystery woman is a mystery no more. The Daily Mail can reveal that the Sunrise veteran is quietly dating Renata Hickson, a decorated soldier and respected National Operations and Impact Manager with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. Hickson has been a steadfast support for Beretta through one of the most emotional years of his life.
Beretta, 59, recently hinted at having a ‘special friend’ who was helping him navigate his exit from Sunrise, the devastating death of his father David in September, and his mother Joan’s ongoing battle with cancer. At the time, he chose not to disclose her identity, only sharing, ‘Dad loved her, which is great. She’s great.’
Now, the identity of the glamorous brunette has been revealed as Renata Hickson, who has stood by Mark’s side during his personal turmoil and as he embarks on a new chapter. On December 9, Mark was spotted enjoying a relaxed afternoon stroll with Renata and her dog in Balmoral on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. The pair appeared every inch the loved-up couple, walking side by side and sharing warm conversation as they took in the sunny views.
Renata Hickson: A Decorated Soldier and Activist
Renata Hickson hails from Hobart, Tasmania, and holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Tasmania, as well as a Master of Teaching. Her 17-year military career is marked by significant achievements, including becoming Australia’s first female in a combat role as a Tank Squadron Commander. Among her high-octane roles, she served as a lead planner for the United States Special Operations Command in Syria, earning multiple commendations.
Currently, Hickson focuses on empowering First Nations voices through her work at the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. Her impressive background and commitment to social causes have made her a respected figure in both military and civilian sectors.
A Year of Transition for Mark Beretta
The revelation of Renata Hickson’s role in Beretta’s life comes amidst a year of significant change for the beloved sports presenter. Behind the scenes, Beretta has faced a series of personal challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of his father in September. In a moving tribute on Instagram, he described his father as ‘kind, generous, adventurous, good fun, hard-working, and loving,’ adding, ‘I will always be proud of being Dave’s son.’
Messages of support poured in from colleagues, including Sam Mac, Edwina Bartholomew, Larry Emdur, Kylie Gillies, and Dr. Chris Brown. Meanwhile, Beretta also embraced a new role as a grandfather, describing the experience as ‘the best’ and joking about teaching his grandson Arlo to say ‘cool Pa.’
Stepping Away from Sunrise
As family responsibilities grow, Beretta confirmed in early December that he is stepping away from Sunrise after 22 years. His final show is set to air on Friday, December 12. Reflecting on his decision, Beretta stated, ‘After a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away. 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.’
Beretta has not publicly dated anyone since the breakdown of his marriage, although he was briefly linked to nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo. He married his ex-wife Rachel in 2001 after meeting in 1999, and the pair confirmed their separation in October 2023 after 22 years together. They share children Ava and Ben and are grandparents to Ava’s young son Arlo.
‘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,’ Mark said in a statement at the time. ‘We remain good friends, and our two children and grandchildren remain our focus and priority as we move forward with love, dignity, and respect.’
As Beretta prepares to leave behind his long-standing role at Sunrise, his relationship with Renata Hickson marks a hopeful new beginning amidst a year of profound change and reflection.
