Rugby league footballer Chris Heighington, and his partner Sonya, welcomed their son Rocco a few weeks ago. Chris plays for the Cronulla Sharks, and the picture shows him receiving a congratulatory kiss from team mate Beau Ryan, who became a father himself only a few months ago, when his daughter Remi was born.

Rugby union footballer Brett Sheehan, and his fiancee Laura Field, welcomed their son Brody around the start of the year. Brody was struck down with meningococcal meningitis over the Easter period, and although he is now well on his way to recovery, Brett and Laura urge other parents to be vigilant about the symptoms of the disease. Brett plays for the Western Force as well as for the Australian national team, the Wallabies.

Scientist Dr Kate Graham, and her husband Tim Madden, recently welcomed their son Harrison, who joins big brother Hamish. Dr Graham researches diabetes at the St Vincent’s Institute; she is a recipient of the Susan Alberti Women in Research Award.

Sports reporter Angela Pippos, and her partner Simon Dutton, welcomed their son Francis James in late January. Angela has been a sports commentator for many years on television and radio, and currently has a regular spot on 3AW.

Jockey Talia Rodder, and her husband Josh, who is the media executive at Melbourne Racing Club, welcomed their son Matan several months ago. Matan is a Hebrew name which means “gift”. Talia is originally from Israel, and started her career in Western Australia before moving to Melbourne. This month she went back to racing after finishing maternity leave.

Radio host Jenny Marchant and her husband welcomed their son Hugo in November last year. Jenny is the host of Treasure Hunt on 1233 ABC Newcastle, where contestants strive to discover where a “treasure” in the Newcastle area can be found by following a series of cryptic clues.

Fashion designer Kadime Mehmet, and her husband Shannan, welcomed their son Caleb last year. Kadime made her name designing a dress for the Brownlow Medals in 2011, and ever since then her Shepparton business has been booming.