For months, she was the woman whose name went unspoken.
Now, the mystery is over.
After quietly hinting that a “special friend” had been standing beside him during one of the most emotionally testing years of his life, Mark Beretta’s new partner has been revealed — and her story is as remarkable as the moment she entered his world.
Daily Mail can confirm the long-time Sunrise favourite, 59, is dating Renata Hickson — a decorated former soldier, respected activist, and senior operations manager with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
A Steady Presence Through Grief and Transition
Beretta has endured a year few could weather quietly.
In recent months, he has navigated the sudden death of his beloved father David, his mother Joan’s ongoing cancer battle, the breakdown of his 22-year marriage — and the life-changing decision to step away from Sunrise after more than two decades on the show.
Amid it all, Renata has been a constant.
When Beretta first acknowledged her presence publicly, he stopped short of naming her — offering only one telling detail.
“Dad loved her,” he said simply.
“And that means everything.”
From Hint to Confirmation
On December 9, the pair were photographed enjoying a relaxed afternoon stroll in Balmoral, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, walking Renata’s dog and chatting easily in the sunshine.
An onlooker described them as “very connected and very comfortable together.”
The sighting followed an earlier clue Beretta had dropped in October, when he shared a smiling photo of himself beside Renata at Admiralty House, during an event honouring runners preparing for the New York City Marathon.
At the time, he didn’t tag her.
Now, the moment takes on new meaning.
Who Is Renata Hickson?
Renata is far more than a glamorous new chapter.
Originally from Hobart, Tasmania, she holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), and a Master of Teaching. Her career includes an extraordinary 17 years in the Australian Army, where she made history as the nation’s first female Tank Squadron Commander in a combat role.
Her service also saw her deployed internationally — including as a lead planner with United States Special Operations Command in Syria, earning multiple commendations.
Today, she channels that experience into advocacy, working to amplify First Nations voices through her role with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
A Relationship That Reached His Family
Beretta has revealed that Renata’s bond with him extended beyond their relationship — touching his family during its most fragile moments.
Before his death on September 28, his father grew fond of her presence, something Beretta has spoken about with visible emotion.
“It meant the world,” he said.
Life After Marriage
Mark Beretta has not publicly dated since separating from his wife Rachel in 2023, following 22 years of marriage. The pair, who met in 1999 and married in 2001, share two children — Ava and Ben — and are grandparents to Ava’s young son Arlo.
When announcing their separation, Beretta emphasised dignity over drama.
“We remain good friends,” he said at the time.
“Our children and grandchild are our absolute priority as we move forward with love, respect and care.”
A Year That Changed Everything
September brought heartbreak, as Beretta announced the loss of his father in a deeply moving Instagram tribute.
“Kind, generous, adventurous, loving,” he wrote.
“I will always be proud to be Dave’s son.”
Messages of support poured in from colleagues and friends across Australian television — but the grief reshaped his priorities.
Earlier this month, Beretta confirmed he would be leaving Sunrise after 22 years, with his final show airing on Friday, December 12.
“After many long nights thinking about it, the time is right,” he said.
“Losing Dad to cancer, and Mum still fighting, has changed how I see the world. Family time matters more than ever.”
A New Chapter, Quietly Begun
Beretta has not commented publicly on his relationship, and Renata remains characteristically private.
But those close to the broadcaster say this new chapter is not about headlines — it’s about steadiness, support, and shared values after a year defined by loss.
After decades in the spotlight, Mark Beretta appears to be choosing something different now.
Not louder.
Not faster.
Just… real.
