Born on Australia Day, south-west babies Emily Jane Simmonds, Quinn Florence Fleming and Stanley Scott Coverdale are among the few privy to the state-wide tradition.

Every year, the Australia Day Council presents January 26 births in Victoria with a silver spoon engraved with the Australian coat of arms to celebrate the nation’s anniversary.

St John of God midwife Leanna Nield said it was an important tradition that needed to continue.

“On January 26, 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip settled in Australia ... it was decided that on Australia’s birthday each year any baby born would be noted and celebrated,” she said. “It’s very special for the babies born on Australia Day.”

With infant delivery ceasing in March due to obstetrician shortages, Portland’s Tanya and Nigel Simmonds’ daughter Emily and Warrnambool’s Trish and Jamie Coverdale’s son Stanley will be St John of God’s last silver spoon babies. Both sets of parents said they thought the tradition was special but did not know it existed until after their children arrived.

St John of God also gives its Australia Day newborns a native bush.

Portland dairy farmers Jessica and Geoff Fleming had also not been aware of the tradition when they welcomed baby Quinn at South West Healthcare on Thursday morning.

“It was the last thing on my mind to be honest,” Mrs Fleming laughed.

“It happened when it happened.”

Due on January 24, Quinn’s patriotic birth date surprised her parents but they said they were looking forward to many birthday barbeques.

“Her day is always going to be a public holiday,” Mrs Fleming said.