Mark Beretta‘s mystery woman is a mystery no more.

Daily Mail can reveal the Sunrise veteran is quietly dating Renata Hickson, a decorated solider and respected National Operations and Impact Manager with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, who has been supporting him through one of the most emotional years of his life.

Beretta, 59, recently teased that he had a ‘special friend’ helping him navigate his Sunrise exit, the devastating death of his father David in September and his mother Joan’s ongoing cancer battle.

At the time, he refused to name her, simply saying, ‘Dad loved her, which is great. She’s great.’

Now the identity of the glamorous brunette has been revealed, with Renata emerging as the woman by Mark’s side during his private turmoil and new chapter.

On December 9, Mark was photographed enjoying a relaxed afternoon stroll with Renata and her dog around Balmoral on Sydney‘s Lower North Shore.

Daily Mail can reveal the Sunrise veteran Mark (left) Beretta is quietly dating Renata Hickson (right), a respected National Operations and Impact Manager with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation with an impressive army career

Mark shared a hint online in October, when he posted a smiling photo of himself and Renata at Admiralty House in Sydney (pictured)

The pair looked every inch the loved-up couple, walking side by side and sharing warm conversation as they took in the sunny views.

An onlooker told Daily Mail they appeared ‘very connected and very comfortable together.’

It follows an earlier hint Mark shared online in October, when he posted a smiling photo of himself and Renata at Admiralty House in Sydney.

The pair posed alongside Governor General Sam Mostyn at an event honouring runners preparing for the New York City Marathon.

While Mark did not tag his companion at the time, the image now confirms Renata’s presence at key moments in his life long before the relationship became public.

Mark’s bond with Renata had even extended to his late father, with Beretta revealing during an interview that his dad had grown fond of her before his passing on September 28.

Hailing from Hobart, Tasmania, Renata holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Tasmania, as well as a Master of Teaching.

She boasts a 17-year military career, during which she became Australia’s first female in a combat role as a Tank Squadron Commander.

Hailing from Hobart, Tasmania, Renata holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Tasmania, as well as a Master of Teaching. Renata is seen here at the start line prior to the Brisbane Run Army 2024 event

She boasts a 17-year military career, during which she became Australia’s first female in a combat role as Tank Squadron Commander. She currently focuses on empowering First Nations voices through her work at the Indigenous Marathon Foundation

Among her high-octane roles, she was a lead planner for the United States Special Operations Command in Syria, for which she earned multiple commendations.

She currently focuses on empowering First Nations voices through her work at the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.

Daily Mail has reached out to Mark Beretta for comment.

The long-time Sunrise favourite has not publicly dated anyone since the breakdown of his marriage, although he was briefly linked to nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo.

Mark married 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.’

Behind the scenes, it has been a year marked by grief and transition for the beloved sports presenter.

Mark married ex-wife Rachel in 2001 after meeting in 1999, and the pair confirmed their separation in October 2023 after 22 years together. Both pictured

In September he announced the heartbreaking loss of his dad, sharing a moving tribute on Instagram.

‘Kind, generous, adventurous, good fun, hard-working, and loving,’ he wrote. ‘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.

Mark also revealed he had become a grandfather last year, describing the experience as ‘the best’ and joking that he hopes to soon teach little Arlo to say ‘cool Pa.’

But as family responsibilities grow, Beretta confirmed in early December that he is stepping away from Sunrise after 22 years.

His final show will air on Friday December 12.

‘After a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away,’ he said.

‘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.’