Koen Jaz Holt first Mackay, second Queensland baby born in 2022

While hundreds of Mackay residents were at the pubs or in their homes celebrating the new year, Rebecca Bragg and Luke Holt were welcoming their first child into the world.

As the clock struck midnight around Mackay, many residents around the region were celebrating the new year.

But at Mackay Base Hospital, two parents were celebrating the miracle of life.

Koen Jaz Holt is the region’s first baby born in 2022, with the newborn boy’s parents Rebecca Bragg and Luke Holt becoming first-time parents.

New mum Ms Bragg said he was “perfect”.

Rebecca Bragg and Luke Hall with baby Koen Jaz Holt, who was born at 12.41am on January 1, 2022. Picture: Contributed

“He’s been doing a lot of sleeping, we’re hoping to be home in two days,” she said.

“It’s the best start to the year, he’s made 2022 better already.

“He’s my best new year’s present ever.”

Koen was born at 12.41am after 36 hours of contractions and a four-hour labour.

The Mackay birth was the second in Queensland for 2022, with a baby in Ipswich born just one minute earlier.

Ms Bragg and Mr Holt, who live in Seaforth, already knew they were having a boy because of a gender-reveal party.

Rebecca Bragg and Luke Hall with baby Koen Jaz Holt, who was born at 12.41am on January 1, 2022. Picture: Contributed

“We knew we were having a boy, we did a blue smoke cannon gender reveal at Seaforth Beach,” Ms Bragg said.

“I wasn’t at all bothered he was going to be born on New Year’s Day.

Koen was born at 2.97kg, and was two days overdue.

Two other boys were born at Mackay Base Hospital on New Year’s Day, with one at 1am and the other at 12.12pm.

Originally published as Koen Jaz Holt first Mackay, second Queensland baby born in 2022