Mark Beretta, the beloved Sunrise veteran, has been quietly navigating a year of personal upheaval with the support of a remarkable woman. The mystery surrounding his new romantic interest has been unveiled, revealing Renata Hickson, a decorated soldier and activist, as the person by his side during these challenging times.
Renata Hickson, known for her impressive military career and her role as the National Operations and Impact Manager with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, has been a source of strength for Beretta, 59, as he faced the emotional toll of his father’s death and his mother’s ongoing battle with cancer. Beretta had previously hinted at a ‘special friend’ who was helping him through his Sunrise exit and personal losses, but he refrained from naming her.
Now, the identity of the glamorous brunette has been confirmed, with Renata emerging as a significant presence in Beretta’s life. The couple was recently spotted enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll in Balmoral, Sydney, appearing very much in sync and comfortable with each other. An onlooker noted their evident connection and ease together.
Renata Hickson: A Trailblazer in Her Own Right
Renata Hickson’s accomplishments are as impressive as they are varied. Hailing from Hobart, Tasmania, 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 17-year military career is marked by a historic achievement as Australia’s first female in a combat role as a Tank Squadron Commander.
Her career highlights include serving as a lead planner for the United States Special Operations Command in Syria, a role for which she received multiple commendations. Currently, she focuses on empowering First Nations voices through her work with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
“Renata’s dedication to service and her groundbreaking achievements in the military make her an inspiring figure,” said a close associate.
A Year of Change for Mark Beretta
For Beretta, this year has been transformative, marked by both personal loss and new beginnings. The death of his father, David, in September was a significant blow, compounded by his mother’s ongoing health struggles. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Beretta paid tribute to his father, describing him as “kind, generous, adventurous, good fun, hard-working, and loving.”
The support from colleagues and friends, including notable figures like Sam Mac and Edwina Bartholomew, poured in, offering comfort during his time of grief. Amidst these challenges, Beretta also embraced the joy of becoming a grandfather, expressing his excitement about teaching his grandson Arlo to call him ‘cool Pa.’
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
As Beretta steps away from his long-standing role at Sunrise after 22 years, he reflects on the importance of family and personal time. His final show is set to air on December 12, marking the end of an era for the sports presenter.
“After a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away,” Beretta stated. “Family time has become even more important.”
Beretta’s decision to leave Sunrise comes after a period of reflection and the realization that his priorities have shifted in light of recent events. His separation from his wife Rachel, with whom he shares two children and a grandson, was confirmed in October 2023 after 22 years of marriage. Despite the personal changes, Beretta emphasized that their focus remains on their children and grandchildren.
As Beretta embarks on this new chapter, supported by Renata Hickson, he faces the future with optimism and gratitude for the experiences and relationships that have shaped his journey. The couple’s relationship, now public, adds a layer of personal happiness to Beretta’s evolving story.
