Andrew Foley Senior

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section lists the characters introduced during 1989, arranged by their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season commenced on 23 January 1989. The first new character of the year was Martha Stewart, who appeared in January, followed by the schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February. In April, Rebecca Fisher made her debut, with Emily Symons joining the cast as Marilyn Chambers in May. June marked the birth of Duncan Stewart, the first child of Alf and Ailsa. Later that month, Mat Stevenson assumed the role of Adam Cameron. July introduced Mouche Phillips as Viv Newton, and in September, Dannii Minogue joined as Emma Jackson.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially portrayed by Alison Mulvaney from 25 January until 13 February 1989. She was introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). The character was recast with Belinda Giblin for her return on 27 March 2018, aligning with the program’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Giblin had previously appeared on the show in 1991 as Cynthia Ross. Ray Meagher recommended Giblin for Martha’s role, describing her as "the ideal choice." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Originally believed to have drowned in a sailing mishap in 1985, Martha was later revealed to be alive when Alf confided this secret to their daughter Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). Her comeback storyline involved mending her relationship with Alf and addressing her past absence, which was attributed to her struggle with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This condition caused significant anxiety and complicated her familial relationships. At first, she found it difficult to bond with Roo but pursued treatment and gradually restored their connection.

Martha’s background includes her marriage to Alf and being mother to Ruth "Roo" Stewart (originally played by Justine Clarke). Her history also involved knowledge about Bobby Simpson’s biological mother, who had been given up for adoption. After years away from Summer Bay, Martha returned following Roo’s efforts to locate her. Her mental health challenges formed a central part of her narrative, providing context for her earlier disappearance and its effect on those around her.

Upon returning, Martha and Alf rekindled their romance, culminating in Alf proposing marriage once more after enduring personal tragedies. They wed and maintained residences both in Summer Bay and Merimbula; Martha’s art studio in Merimbula acts as a sanctuary during episodes related to her BPD. Disagreements occasionally arose concerning the management of these properties but were eventually resolved through open dialogue.

Additionally, Martha disclosed that she had a son named Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), whose complicated relationship with her added further complexity to her storyline. She confided in Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) about Kieran before informing Alf and Roo. Kieran’s arrival in Summer Bay introduced new family dynamics.

Currently, Martha primarily lives in Merimbula while Alf frequently visits, balancing their personal commitments and professional responsibilities across both locations.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, brought to life by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Coburn's father, Norman Coburn, was also part of the cast, playing the role of headmaster Donald Fisher. Vicki was known as Summer Bay’s quintessential "trouble-maker." Although Coburn initially found it challenging to portray a villainous character, she eventually embraced the role. She maintained a semi-regular presence until she filmed her final scenes in June 1990, reflecting that the role provided consistent work and valuable professional experience. Among her favorite moments was a fight sequence with Dannii Minogue near the end of her tenure.

As a student attending Summer Bay High, Vicki frequently provoked fellow pupils such as Carly Morris and Viv Newton, and often found herself at odds with Emma Jackson. After failing to secure tutoring from teacher Grant Mitchell, Vicki falsely accused him of inappropriate conduct, which led to his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, resulting in Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing examination papers, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven Matheson and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover her manipulations, ultimately leading to Vicki’s expulsion from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, first appeared on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of principal Donald Fisher. She became romantically linked with Steven Matheson. Producers were impressed by the chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits, prompting considerations for Rebecca’s occasional returns. The role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period in 1994 before being reintroduced with Belinda Emmett in 1996. Emmett received nominations for the Logie Awards in categories including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), and the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but returned between 1995 and 1999. Dannii Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons took on the role of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn was described as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart made his debut on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy’s performance earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, portrayed by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on 28 June 1989. Stevenson had previously been seen in the rival soap Neighbours as Skinner before relocating from Melbourne to Sydney for this role. He exited the series in 1994. Stevenson characterized Adam as somewhat of a "layabout" who favored relaxation over responsibility, which contrasted with his own more disciplined personality. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and contemplated seeking a full-time comeback after enjoying this brief return.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, first appeared on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after co-star Justine Clarke had left the show. She mentioned that she preferred staying active on set, often moving about so much that locating her during filming could be challenging.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, was featured on the show from 22 September 1989 until 22 August 1990. Although Minogue first tried out for the part of Marilyn Chambers, she was ultimately cast as Emma. After spending a year on the series, she departed to focus on her music career. Despite speculation in 2007 about Minogue making a comeback for the program’s 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not return. For her portrayal of Emma, Minogue earned a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Additionally, Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé appearing in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart’s diary. The couple planned to wed before Les’s death in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin. He is arrested for indecent exposure following a swimming incident. He plots to acquire the caravan park from the Fletchers, involving Morag Bellingham in his scheme. Stacey discovers his attempt to frame Roo Stewart with poison pen letters. Nicholas assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, younger sibling of Alison and Mav Patterson, attends Summer Bay Primary alongside Sally Fletcher. She finds Morag Bellingham’s manuscript stored on floppy disks and disputes Sally’s claims about the "Summer Bay Bunyip."
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Husband of Morag Bellingham for two decades. They separate following the revelation that Morag is Bobby Simpson’s mother. He cautions Roo Stewart to avoid Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist from The Daily Star investigating Morag Bellingham’s link to Bobby Simpson. He manipulates Celia Stewart for information and convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble after receiving etiquette lessons from Celia Stewart. Being illiterate, she learns to read with Matt Wilson’s assistance. Her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe returns, leading to a confrontation and her leaving with him, leaving Martin heartbroken.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting concerning a dangerous shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble's mother who appears when he introduces Leanne Dunn to the family.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Brother of Martin Dibble present at a family gathering.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former employee and personal assistant to Morag Bellingham at Blaxland mansion. Develops a friendship with Celia Stewart but gently declines her romantic interest before resigning to gain independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Host of 'The World Tonight' talk show where Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discuss Alan Fisher’s novel; questions Bobby regarding Morag’s maternity secret.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn's ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble over her; departs with Leanne after she ends things with Martin.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker who steals money and causes fires leading to Philip Matheson’s death; frames Simon Yates for arson. Fostered by the Fletchers, he bullies Sally Fletcher and manipulates Steven Matheson before admitting arson and being jailed. Released on parole in 1995, he kills 'Mud' Roberts, frames Steven for murder, kidnaps Kelly Watson, then vanishes after a cliffside confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict working at Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; harassed by Steven Matheson and falsely accused of arson by Dodge; later sends Roo a letter promising to reimburse Alf Stewart.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father seeking reconciliation with son Andrew Foley before passing away; leaves Andrew an inheritance along with apologies in his will.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Representative from Department of Childcare Services overseeing Dodge Forbes’ foster placement and investigating John Newton's abuse of daughters Viv and Tammy Newton. Temporarily removes Donald Fisher’s guardianship of Viv during murder charges but restores it after his acquittal.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart's $500,000 claim following store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting the Macklin family on business matters.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor in Macklin development who initially refuses contract due to Frank Morgan’s lack of university education but is convinced by Martin Dibble to sign.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with the Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer employed by Macklin corporation who leads a strike resolved through Roo Stewart’s negotiation; helps rescue Marilyn Chambers during an emergency.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to engage Roo Stewart during Tom Fletcher's absence.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Friend of Stacey Macklin who forms music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers. After internal conflicts and sabotage, Nina secures a promotion in Los Angeles and later invites Stacey to join her.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman who assists Viv Newton during her time living on the streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer interrogating Dodge Forbes about a stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes responsibility.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and father abusing daughters Viv Newton and Tammy Newton; Viv and friends rescue Tammy from custody after supervision order; John relinquishes custody following child services intervention.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton manipulated by their father John; escapes abuse and reunites with mother Angela Newton starting fresh in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson's uncle serving on local council; employs Matt as beach inspector; closes Andrew Foley's advice centre; resigns following heart attack.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s Youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody before Sally decides to remain with the Fletchers; departs Summer Bay with wife Louise Keating.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating unable to have children due to ovarian cancer surgery; forms bond with niece Sally before leaving Summer Bay.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited, Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter who demands removal of teacher Grant Mitchell after false molestation accusations; Grant reinstated once Vicki admits lying.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father leading to suicide. Works as Morag’s assistant while plotting against her; holds her hostage during psychotic episode before fleeing town after Bobby Simpson declines his offer to escape together.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in various investigations including arrests of Andrew Foley and Shane Parrish. Promoted to sergeant; responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane’s death; admits guilt leading to suspension while supporting Shane’s widow Angel Parrish.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble dressed in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart that niece Emma Jackson wishes to live with her, revealing previously unknown family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; abandons him stranded on an island by sailing away alone under false pretenses.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble decline purchase offer.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife seen at Stewart store during council closure of Martin Dibble’s hot dog stand business.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Arrives seeking Fletcher family as friends of his father; stays with Pippa Fletcher despite identity revelation. Joins surf club but is killed by shark attack; storyline highlighted by Judy Nunn as significant.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley staying with him and Stacey Macklin; drug addict whose actions cause conflict before leaving town.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database