Dad Taniela Veamatahau and mum Naomi Atkinson with their third child, Zion Veamatahau, one of the first babies born at GV Health in 2025.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The new year started with a bang for the maternity ward at Goulburn Valley Health — and we’re not talking fireworks.
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Families and staff welcomed four babies on Wednesday, January 1.
The first baby of 2025 was born just 15 minutes after midnight.
Less than half an hour later, a second joined the world.
At 2.49am, Antonio Delacruz made his debut.
He may not have been the first baby born in Shepparton this year, but staff said Antonio was the biggest, weighing in at more than 10 pounds.
Antonio’s parents, Nizareth and Andrew Delacruz, said his arrival was a surprise — he wasn’t due for another couple of weeks — but a welcome one, nonetheless.
Dad Andrew and mum Nizareth with their fifth baby, Antonio Delacruz, one of four babies born on New Year’s Day at GV Health in Shepparton.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
He’s their fifth child.
“We’re just happy,” Ms Delacruz said.
Just before noon, the fourth baby of the new year was born.
Zion Veamatahau was welcomed by Naomi Atkinson and Taniela Veamatahau.
He’s their third child.
Zion’s New Year’s Day arrival was also a surprise.
“It was really unexpected,” Ms Atkinson said.
But she said it boded well for the year ahead.
“Starting the year off with such a big blessing can only mean more.”
Staff at GV Health said this was a busier than normal New Year’s Day on the maternity ward.
So far, 2025 has certainly delivered a lot to celebrate.
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