The new year started with a bang for the maternity ward at Goulburn Valley Health — and we’re not talking fireworks.
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.
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.