What’s happening?
Darling Downs Health has welcomed the first baby born across the region in 2026. The baby arrived just after midnight at Dalby Hospital on New Year’s Day.
Baby Bacon was born to Nick and Bree Bacon at 12.08am on January 1, marking a joyful start to the year.
The newborn is the couple’s second child.
Nick Bacon said the family was thrilled. “Our daughter now has a brother and we’re all very happy and a bit emotional,” he said.
“Being the first born on the Darling Downs might be a sign for a future of firsts for our son and gives him some early bragging rights.”
He also thanked staff for their care. “We’re very thankful for the maternity team as this is the second experience with them and both have been fantastic.”
Why it matters
The first birth of the year is a shared moment for families, staff, and the wider region. It also highlights the role local hospitals play in supporting safe births close to home.
Annette Scott said the milestone was meaningful for the region. “Welcoming a new life into the world is a wonderful way to begin the year,” Ms Scott said.
“This milestone reminds us of the incredible work our maternity teams do every day to support families and ensure safe, high-quality care.”
Local impact
Dalby Hospital continues to play a key role in regional maternity care. Families across the Darling Downs rely on local services to deliver babies safely and close to support networks.
Kate Fay congratulated the family and staff. “Our midwives and maternity teams are honoured to share this special moment with families,” she said.
“Congratulations to Nick and Bree on the arrival of their son. It’s a privilege for our midwives Bec and Zoey and Doctor Maxwell to be part of your family’s journey.”
By the numbers
-
Baby Bacon arrived at 12.08am on January 1, just minutes after midnight, making him the first baby born in 2026.
-
Darling Downs Health provides maternity care across six birthing facilities located throughout the region.
-
More than 2,830 babies were born across the region during 2025, showing the ongoing demand for local maternity services.
Zoom in
For Nick and Bree Bacon, the moment marked both a new year and a new chapter for their family. It was also their second positive experience with the Dalby maternity team.
Zoom out
Darling Downs Health provides maternity services at Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Warwick, Goondiwindi, Dalby, and Kingaroy hospitals.
These services support thousands of families each year across a large regional footprint.
What to look for next?
As 2026 continues, maternity teams across the Darling Downs will support thousands more births. Each one will carry its own story, just like the first.