Archie Maddock

Home and Away
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section details characters introduced during 2009, all under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Early in the year, January welcomed the arrivals of Gina and Hugo Austin. February saw the introduction of Robert "Robbo" Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. March brought new faces such as Liam Murphy and John Palmer, followed by Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner in April. In June, May Stone joined the cast. July featured the birth of Harry Holden alongside the introduction of the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. August introduced Detective Robert Robertson, with Romeo Smith making his debut in September.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, brought to life by actress Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and remained until 18 April 2013. Her character is portrayed as a dedicated mother who has endured numerous difficulties with both her eldest and youngest sons, demonstrating strength without succumbing to self-pity. Industry commentators describe Gina as a warm, down-to-earth individual who places family above personal goals. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s relationships with her three sons are central to her character development.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, played by Bernard Curry, debuted alongside Gina on 27 January 2009. He initially departed on 26 January 2010 but returned briefly from 6 May to 9 June 2010. Having previously appeared in the rival soap Neighbours, Curry expressed enthusiasm for joining Home & Away, praising both the character’s appeal and the role’s complexity. Hugo is depicted as an outdoors enthusiast with a fit build and sun-kissed complexion.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, portrayed by Aidan Gillett, first appeared on-screen on 1 February 2009. Robbo works aboard a boat alongside characters Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins. He frequently provokes both, particularly targeting Joey because of her sexual orientation. After assaulting Joey and coercing her into silence, she eventually reports him. Despite his denials and interference from his ex-girlfriend Tanya Gannon—who sustains injuries during the conflict—Robbo escalates his aggression by attacking Joey once more. His actions lead to his arrest and charges, concluding his narrative arc.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, enacted by Luke Bracey, made his debut on 9 February 2009. Though described as possessing "the face of an angel," Trey engages in "devilish behaviour," sparking significant drama upon his arrival, especially involving characters like Geoff Campbell and Nicole Franklin.

A prominent storyline features Trey recording a private sex tape with Nicole, which is later leaked as an act of retaliation—mirroring a real-life scandal that had recently occurred. This plotline attracted considerable attention and stirred controversy. Joe Brett from Holy Soap labeled Trey a "neurotic wolverine."

Introduced as a disruptive presence at Summer Bay High, Trey bullies local students such as Jai Fernandez, including racist insults, while clashing with faculty members. He becomes embroiled in intense conflicts with Geoff Campbell and harbors animosity toward his stepfather, John Palmer. Despite initial antagonism, Trey shows signs of change after developing feelings for Kirsty, though she rejects him, leading to further disputes involving Miles Copeland.

Subsequently, Trey forms a romantic relationship with Nicole Franklin; they become intimate, culminating in the controversial sex tape incident where Trey leaks the video to humiliate Nicole in retaliation. His escalating hostility reaches a climax during a school field trip when he takes hostages on a bus and reveals he has planted an explosive device. Although most students escape unharmed, Hugo Austin suffers serious injuries from the blast. Trey is ultimately apprehended and charged with attempted murder.

Freya Duric

Freya Duric, portrayed by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.

In 2009, Home and Away featured two storylines centered on lesbian relationships, one of which involved Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya. Their kiss generated viewer complaints. James explained that Freya embodies Nicole's more rebellious side, which initially appeals to Nicole, though she underestimates Freya’s extremes. The kiss symbolizes Nicole’s awakening to her own dullness.

Freya comes to Summer Bay aiming to reconnect with Xavier Austin, who is currently seeing Ruby Buckton. Despite some resistance, they rekindle their relationship. Gina cautions Xavier about Freya’s disruptive tendencies. Freya causes unrest in the community and gets involved in drug dealing, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After clashing with Nicole, she kisses her in public to demonstrate she is not dull, provoking Geoff’s anger as he accuses her of manipulation. Freya exploits Xavier for personal gain but soon loses interest and later kisses his brother Hugo. When Xavier witnesses this, Hugo ends their relationship. Freya then departs from Summer Bay abruptly.

Joey Collins

Joey Collins, enacted by Kate Bell, first appeared on 12 February 2009.

The producers created Joey’s character to develop a lesbian storyline with Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) aimed at enhancing viewer engagement. Over a span of five weeks, their relationship evolves from friendship into romance, including intimate scenes. Executive producer Cameron Welsh commented that Joey was well-received and hinted at the possibility of her return.

Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who harasses and eventually sexually assaults her, warning her against reporting the incident. She confides in Aden; although others, including her brother Brett, initially doubt her story, Robbo is ultimately apprehended after Charlie intervenes. Charlie and Joey start a secret romance that becomes public knowledge, triggering homophobic reactions within the community. Charlie grapples with her sexual identity and workplace pressures, while Joey faces ongoing difficulties before tearfully leaving for a new job opportunity.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, played by Axle Whitehead, first appeared on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and TV presenter, earned the role through an audition and was initially signed for fifteen episodes. He described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and drew upon his own experiences to portray the character’s struggles with drug use.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, debuted on 25 March 2009. After collaborating with other cast members, O'Keeffe was cast as Brendan following the introduction of the Austin family. Brendan has a developmental disability that causes tension between his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan arrives in Summer Bay accompanied by his mother and is revealed to have autism. Xavier had served as his primary caregiver, which led to friction among siblings. Initially withdrawn from others, Brendan begins socializing after encouragement from Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton. Under Martha’s supervision, Brendan runs away several times, including an episode resulting in a car accident that injures Roman Harris, who subsequently loses his sight. Upon learning about Brendan’s condition, Roman chooses not to press charges.

Brendan mentions having a girlfriend named Ruby Leeds who has Down syndrome, creating initial confusion with Ruby Buckton. Gina supports Brendan’s efforts toward independence and his eventual transition into sheltered accommodation. Remarkably, Brendan saves Xavier from drowning despite limited swimming ability, impressing his family. He later returns mistakenly believing Hugo has died. After Gina’s passing in 2013, Brendan did not attend her funeral due to emotional distress.

John Palmer

John Palmer, brought to life by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, recognized for his role in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. The character is portrayed as a "strict father" figure and an active participant in the surf lifesaving club.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, was introduced on 10 April 2009. She becomes romantically involved with Geoff Campbell and later reveals she is expecting a child. Their storyline includes a dramatic incident where their caravan catches fire after they spend the night together. Series producer Cameron Welsh highlighted the intricate nature of her relationship with Geoff, particularly regarding the uncertainty surrounding her baby's paternity.

Claudia works alongside Geoff on the farm, gradually developing romantic feelings that lead to a relationship. Following their night together, they become trapped in a caravan blaze. Claudia announces her pregnancy but initially denies that Geoff is the father, insisting her former partner Lachie is not involved since their relationship ended prior to her departure. Lachie tries to reconcile but is turned away.

As conflicts intensify between Geoff and Lachie, Geoff injures Lachie during a football match, resulting in temporary paralysis. Overcome with remorse, Claudia admits that Lachie is the biological father. Geoff responds with anger and expels her from his life. Due to Lachie's aggressive behavior, Claudia denies him access to their child. Eventually, she chooses to leave town to reside with her cousin in Dubbo, distancing herself from both men.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009 as Claudia Hammond's (Alexandra Park) former boyfriend. Their intermittent relationship ended when Claudia became involved with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Lachie attempts to win Claudia back but ultimately agrees to leave her alone. When Claudia announces her pregnancy and initially denies Lachie’s paternity, tension arises between him and Geoff. After Lachie is hospitalized following an altercation during a rugby game, Claudia confesses that he is the father. Despite Lachie's hopes for forming a family, Claudia rejects him and departs Summer Bay permanently.

The Daily Record remarked that Geoff's mounting frustration culminated in anger directed toward Lachie.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, played by Jeremy Sims, featured from 13 May to 10 June 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald commended Sims for a compelling portrayal of Gardy, a menacing character who manipulates Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby).

Gardy infiltrates Roman’s household, unsettling Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). After Roman, who has recently lost his sight, recognizes Gardy’s voice, he permits him to stay. Gardy becomes involved in violent confrontations, including one with John Palmer (Shane Withington), and attempts dangerous methods to restore Roman’s vision. He later coerces Roman into committing crimes such as robbing a liquor store, which triggers a heart attack in an elderly woman.

When Nicole rejects Gardy’s advances and he threatens to implicate Roman in the robbery, Gardy escalates his criminal acts by robbing the Palmer residence and taking Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) and Jenena Palmer (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. He reveals he is blackmailing Roman over an incident involving a wartime shooting.

Gardy plans a robbery at a warehouse in Mangrove River but is intercepted by police. During the heist, he shoots Roman and takes Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) hostage. After a confrontation involving Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry), Roman manages to subdue Gardy despite his injury. Gardy escapes wounded into a nearby creek and vanishes thereafter.

May Stone

May Stone, brought to life by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She quickly becomes romantically involved with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly entangled with Charlie Buckton. Although Angelo assures May of his commitment, he continues to feel drawn to Charlie, resulting in a hidden affair. When this deception comes to light, May ends the relationship and promptly resigns from her teaching position, departing from Summer Bay.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by several young actors, first appeared on 30 July 2009. He is the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty connecting with Harry due to his incessant crying and briefly contemplates harming him, but ultimately seeks assistance. Following a kidnapping incident involving Jane Avent, Harry is safely recovered. In August 2010, Harry moves with his parents to Boston, signifying an important change for the family.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, played by Robert Mammone, debuted on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to positive audience reception, Sid returns in June 2010 alongside Indigo and Dexter as permanent cast members.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, originally portrayed by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, was recast in 2010 with Charles Cottier. Cottier observed that Dexter's character had undergone significant development. A key storyline featured Dexter's relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both distinctive and demanding because of their age difference.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, enacted by Samara Weaving, first appeared on 30 July 2009 as part of the newly introduced Walker family: father Sid (Robert Mammone), mother Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), son Dexter (Tom Green/Charles Cottier), and Indigo herself. The family left the series in September 2009 but returned in June 2010. Weaving noted that managing the comeback was more convenient alongside her other professional engagements.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, made his debut on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder mystery plotline, Robertson was crafted to blend serious themes with humor, functioning as a versatile detective adept at deception and uncovering truths. Otto incorporated his comedic skills and drew inspiration from quirky investigator archetypes to develop the character. The Daily Record characterized Robertson as "ruthless," setting him apart from other figures.

As a police detective, Robertson arrives in Summer Bay to investigate the murder of Grant Bledcoe, father of Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Initially suspecting Ruby's mother, Charlie, he arrests her; however, he later discovers that Charlie's father, Ross, confesses to the crime. Despite Robertson’s eccentric storytelling and mannerisms, he proves to be an effective law enforcement officer. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), but she opts not to pursue a relationship further.

Robertson returns to examine the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), working alongside Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill) and focusing suspicion on Alf Stewart as the main suspect. After several arrests lacking concrete evidence, he coerces Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into implicating Alf. However, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) challenges this testimony by revealing Will’s dishonesty. Consequently, Robertson releases Alf and charges Will instead. Disturbed by this setback, he confides in Leah about feeling lost in his identity; she comforts him by affirming that errors are part of being human. When offered a promotion requiring relocation to the city, he invites Leah and her son to accompany him, but Leah declines.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed the role after moving to Sydney without employment. Romeo is depicted as handsome, "mischievous, humorous, and courteous". His family on screen includes his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). Following his relationship with Annie Campbell, Romeo's main romantic involvement is with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Others

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External links

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
30 January	Bank manager		A bank official who warns Leah Patterson-Baker about unauthorized attempts by Bridget Simmons to access her account.
	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden aboard the boat; participates in illegal abalone harvesting and attempts to incriminate Aden. Provides details about Hugo upon arrest.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police officer conducting a brief inquiry in Summer Bay.
3 February	Lawyer	Blair Cutting	Legal counsel representing Angelo Rosetta.
4 February–25 January 2010	Lou De Bono	David Roberts	Dates Irene Roberts and is later found dead at sea. Irene faces arrest initially but is eventually exonerated of his murder.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	A homeless individual who defends Melody Jones from attackers and assists in finding her.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Assaults both Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines an interview to protect her aged care facility; persuaded by Melody Jones to participate.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Grandmother of Melody Jones who suffers a fatal stroke during the storyline.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participates in a speed dating event, briefly connects with Leah before she opts for Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Older sibling of Joey Collins; initially rejects her sexual orientation but later reconciles following family difficulties.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Survivor of a shipwreck involved in illicit human smuggling alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; eventually apprehended.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Employs Belle at the newspaper office; engages in an affair with Paula Gill, causing workplace conflict.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Robert Cruze’s former partner who lodges a complaint against him but sustains injuries soon after arriving in Summer Bay.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Colleague of Belle who has an affair with Jerry Thibault and bullies Belle over her addiction struggles.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged spouse of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou’s demise.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Wife of Liam Murphy; their marriage deteriorates due to his substance abuse, resulting in divorce and her relocation to Paris with their son Ash.
23–28 April	Ash Murphy	Dusty Piper	Child of Liam and Chelsea Murphy.
1–2 June	Jenena Palmer	Anna Lise Phillips	Trey Palmer’s mother and John Palmer’s wife.
13 June–13 July	Clint Mailer	Matt Zeremes	Rugby coach who pressures Aden Jefferies into sabotaging Geoff Campbell’s career under threat of removal from the team.
14 July–18 August	Jane Avent	Felicity Price	Mother mourning a stillborn child; blames Rachel Armstrong, harasses her, and kidnaps Rachel’s son before recognizing she requires assistance.
14 July–18 August	Rex Avent	Sandy Winton	Supports his wife Jane through grief over their stillborn child; ultimately accepts her need for help after escalating behaviors.
14 July–26 January 2010	' Wayan Rahardjo	' Dorje Swallow	' Hospital patient with limited English proficiency; closely connected to Hugo Austin and involved in human trafficking investigations.'
20–21 July	' Paul'	' Thomas Norrie'	' Minor character appearing briefly as an extra in Summer Bay.'
23 July–18 August	' Squirt'	' Ben Davy-Thorburn'	' Friend and coworker of Aden Jefferies; attends Aden’s stag party.'
29 July-27 November	' Marine Officer Bryant'	' Michael Sutherland'	' Water police officer collaborating with Angelo Rosetta on investigations into people smuggling.'
30 July–17 August 2011	' Jody Walker'	'Victoria Haralabidou'	' Wife of Sid Walker who seeks reconciliation for family unity but departs following infidelity.'
20 August	' Michelle'	'Michelle Pettigrove'	' Aunt to Charlie Buckton who provides information regarding Charlie’s daughter Ruby.'
24 August–8 July 2010	' Therese'	' Rose Ashton'	' Nurse involved in workplace disputes arising from personal relationships with colleagues.'
28 August–11 September	' Andy McLeod'	' Paul Winchester'	' Acquaintance from a parent group offering parenting advice; friendship raises suspicions of infidelity.'
28 August–11 September	' Sophia McLeod'	' Madeline Andrews'	' Daughter of Andy diagnosed with a hearing impairment.'
1–16 September	' Grant Bledcoe'	'Clayton Watson'	' Biological father of Ruby Leeds accused of past sexual assault; later found murdered.'
8 September	' Tracey Bledcoe'	' Mary Anne Byrne'	' Wife of Grant Bledcoe shocked by allegations against him.'
15 September–1 March 2012	' Patrick Avery'	' Clayton Williams'	' Police constable appearing intermittently, involved in various legal matters including bailing Sid Walker.'
18–22 September	' Ruby Leeds'	' Tracie Sammmut'	' Brendan’s girlfriend advocating for his independence.'
18 September	' Pheobe'	' Alisha Burton'	' Brief friend of Jai Fernandez.'
30 September	' Jim'	' Mark Richardson'	' Briefly appears as hotel manager.'
1 October–27 January 2010	' Bambang Rahardjo'	' Joft Prastowo'	' Son of Wayan Rahardjo assisting Martha MacKenzie on the farm; used as bait during trafficking investigation.'
3 October–26 January 2010	' Suzy Sudiro'	' Tasneem Roc'	' Ex-wife of Hugo Austin engaged in illegal immigration smuggling; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie but is subdued.'
6–17 November	' Riley Radcliffe'	' Tani Edgecombe'	' School bully targeting VJ Patterson; his father Ian conceals his behavior.'
' Ian Radcliffe'	' Ben Simpson'	' Father of Riley Radcliffe who assaults his son and attempts bribery before the truth emerges.'
9–24 November	' Poppie Merrin'	' Elouise Blair'	' Falsely accuses Liam Murphy leading to relationship breakdown and his arrest.'
17–24 November	' Reg Merrin'	' Dane Carson'	' Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies and terminates him following incidents at a formal event.'
18–24 November	' Catie Merrin'	'Tess Haubrich'	' Daughter of Reg Merrin who manipulates situations resulting in Aden’s dismissal.'
19–23 November	' Orson Cardillo'	'Mark Lee'	' Gardener for Donna DeBono implicated in framing incident; suffers a heart attack.'
20 November	' Bonita Cardillo'	' Suzi Dougherty'	' Wife of Orson Cardillo defending his innocence.'
25 November–18 February 2010	' Hazem Kassir'	'Ben Kermode'	" Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; suffers racist attack causing paralysis; ends relationship and relocates."
26 November	" Prison Guard"	" Joe Tarena"	" Guard present during Derrick Quaid’s escape attempt."