The first minutes of 2026 brought a special new arrival for Western Australia, with a Mandurah family celebrating the birth of the state's inaugural New Year baby.
A Minute Past Midnight: A New Beginning for the Stinson Family
As fireworks lit up the sky, Rhiannon and Will Stinson of Mandurah welcomed their fourth child – a healthy baby boy weighing 3.2 kilograms. The significant birth occurred at Peel Health Campus at precisely 12:01am on January 1, 2026. The newborn, who holds the title of WA's first baby for the year, is yet to be given a name by his delighted parents.
Rockingham General Hospital Experiences Record Festive Deliveries
Just up the road, staff at Rockingham General Hospital were managing a seasonal surge in arrivals. The hospital's maternity ward witnessed its busiest festive season on record, with a total of 15 newborns delivered between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Among them was baby Banks Telford, who made a surprise entrance five weeks early on Christmas Day. Parents Paige and Eathan Telford received their early gift, who weighed 2.5kg and required a short stay in the neonate unit before going home.
Looking Back: WA's Most Popular Baby Names in 2025
The new arrivals join a growing community of young West Australians. Official data shows 33,232 births were registered in WA throughout 2025. For parents seeking naming inspiration, the top choices last year were clear.
Isla was the most popular name for girls, given to 150 newborns, while Noah topped the list for boys, with 209 little Noahs registered. In the Peel region specifically, Oliver was the favourite choice for baby boys.
The simultaneous events at Peel Health Campus and Rockingham General Hospital highlight the relentless and joyful work of healthcare staff, ensuring a safe start for the state's newest residents.
