General News
28 January, 2026
Horsham's first baby of 2026: Tate arrives at 11:11
Nick and Maggie Thomson welcomed their first child, Tate, on Friday, January 2, marking a joyful milestone for the Horsham community as the first baby born in the region this year. Tate entered the world at 11:11am at Wimmera Base Hospital, a moment that felt almost too perfect to plan.
“He was born on the 2nd of January at 11:11 a.m.,” Maggie confirmed.
The new parents only learned days later that Tate was the first baby of 2026 in Horsham.
“I didn’t realise that he was the first,” she said.
“I thought there was one before him, but obviously not.”
While Tate’s arrival brought plenty of excitement, it also came with immediate challenges.
Shortly after birth, he was transferred to Melbourne for further care, which meant the family didn’t get the usual quiet first days together at home.
“It was emotional, I guess,” she said.
“It was hard as well because he was taken away to Melbourne straight away.”
Despite everything, Maggie felt grateful for the local care she received.
“I was really happy with how we were treated there in the hospital; all the nurses and stuff were really lovely,” she said.
“I couldn’t fault it, really.”
The Thomsons had expected Tate’s arrival to be close to the New Year, with Maggie booked for a planned caesarean.
“He was planned Caesar that day, so we knew he would be born either on January one or two,” she explained.
As soon as Maggie was discharged, the couple headed to Melbourne.
She said that finally meeting Tate properly and holding him for the first time felt unforgettable.
“When we got down there, I got to hold him, and it was really special,” she said.
Now back in the rhythm of newborn life, Maggie said the biggest support in these early days has been her husband, Nick.
“The most supportive one is probably Nick, he’s been so helpful with everything, with my recovery and with Tate,” she said,
She added that family support has also made a difference.
Like many first-time parents, the Thomsons are adjusting to sleepless nights and a whole new daily routine, but they’re embracing the change.
“It’s different, it’s challenging, but we’re taking each day as it comes,” she said.
“It’s just exciting to be in this new chapter of our lives.”
Looking ahead, the couple hopes 2026 brings calm, good health, and happy days as they settle into life as a family, which is now ‘five with the dogs.’
For other expecting parents, Maggie offered simple, heartfelt advice.
“Enjoy it and take everything in, as it just goes so quick.”
And for Horsham, Tate is a tiny new local who has already brought a whole community something to smile about.
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