Brendan Austin

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. This compilation highlights characters introduced in 2009, all under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The series' 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January until 27 November 2009. Initial additions included Gina and Hugo Austin in January; February saw the arrival of Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. March introduced Liam Murphy and John Palmer, with Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner joining in April. May Stone was added in June. July featured the birth of Harry Holden alongside the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. Detective Robert Robertson appeared in August, followed by the introduction of Romeo Smith in September.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her debut on 27 January 2009 and exited the show on 18 April 2013. According to the official series website, Gina is portrayed as a committed mother who has endured difficulties with both her eldest and youngest sons but remains strong without succumbing to self-pity. Industry commentary describes her as a grounded, approachable woman who places family above her own ambitions. Todd values that Gina's role involves having three sons, which enriches her character's complexity.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, appeared from 27 January 2009 until 26 January 2010, with a brief return between 6 May and 9 June 2010. Curry, formerly an actor on rival soap Neighbours, expressed enjoyment working on Home & Away, appreciating the engaging nature of his character. Hugo is depicted as an outdoors enthusiast with a toned physique and sun-kissed appearance.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, first appeared on 1 February 2009. Robbo is employed on a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, frequently antagonizing Joey due to her sexual orientation. His harassment escalates into sexual assault, initially kept secret by Joey but later disclosed. Despite Robbo's denial and interference from his former girlfriend Tanya Gannon—who suffers injury during this conflict—he attacks Joey again before being apprehended and charged, concluding his storyline by March 2009.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, played by Luke Bracey, was introduced on 9 February 2009. Described as possessing "the face of an angel" yet engaging in "devilish behaviour," Trey quickly captured audience attention. He gained notoriety for instigating trouble, particularly targeting Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin.

A prominent plotline involved Trey recording a sex tape with Nicole, which was subsequently leaked—reflecting a real-life incident involving actor Lincoln Lewis. This storyline attracted significant attention due to its timely resemblance to actual events. Joe Brett from Holy Soap characterized Trey as a "neurotic wolverine."

Trey is introduced as a school student who bullies locals, including subjecting Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) to racist insults, while also challenging authority figures. He engages in ongoing conflicts with Geoff Campbell and harbors resentment toward his stepfather, John Palmer. Additionally, Trey develops animosity towards Miles Copeland but reveals vulnerability through his feelings for Kirsty. After being rejected, Trey attempts violence against Kirsty; Miles intervenes, leading to Trey filing charges that are eventually withdrawn.

Subsequently, Trey appears to reform somewhat, developing a closer relationship with Nicole Franklin. They begin dating and become intimate, producing a sex tape that Trey later leaks as retaliation, causing Nicole public embarrassment. His behavior escalates further when he hijacks a school bus during a field trip and discloses he has planted an explosive device beneath it. Despite efforts to evacuate students safely, the bomb detonates, seriously injuring Hugo Austin. Trey is arrested on charges of attempted murder.

Freya Duric

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

In 2009, Home and Away featured two lesbian narratives, one involving Nicole Franklin (Tessa James). The kiss between Freya and Nicole generated viewer complaints. James described their relationship as Freya embodying Nicole's rebellious side, which Nicole identifies with but does not fully comprehend. Nicole initially felt "angry" after learning she was on Freya's "not hot list," but Freya kissed her to challenge that perception. This moment led Nicole to realize she had become dull.

Freya comes to Summer Bay intending to reignite her romance with Xavier Austin. Although Xavier initially resists due to his relationship with Ruby Buckton, they soon resume dating. Gina disapproves and cautions Xavier against the relationship. Freya causes disturbances in the community and becomes involved in drug dealing, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After a confrontation with Nicole, Freya publicly kisses her, irritating Geoff who suspects ulterior motives. She manipulates Xavier and later kisses his brother Hugo without knowing Xavier is watching. Hugo ends their involvement, leading to Freya's departure from the area.

Joey Collins

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

The producers introduced Joey to create a lesbian storyline with Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson) aimed at increasing viewership. Over a five-week arc, their friendship develops into a romantic relationship featuring intimate moments. Executive producer Cameron Welsh highlighted Joey’s popularity and hinted at a potential return.

Joey works alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze on a boat. Robbo harasses and ultimately sexually assaults her, threatening her into silence. She confides in Aden and Belle Taylor, who encourage her to report the assault. Robbo denies the accusations; even Joey’s brother Brett doubts her and disapproves of her sexuality, causing tension and prompting Joey to stay with Charlie.

Robbo attempts to drown Joey but is stopped by Charlie and subsequently arrested. Charlie kisses Joey, beginning a secret romance that becomes public amid homophobic reactions within the town. Charlie struggles with accepting her sexuality while managing work pressures, and Joey faces ongoing challenges. Eventually, Joey leaves tearfully for another job, ending their relationship.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, enacted by Axle Whitehead, debuted on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and presenter, won the role through auditioning and was initially signed for fifteen episodes. He described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and drew upon his own experiences to portray Liam’s battle with drug addiction.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, played by Kain O'Keeffe, first appeared on 25 March 2009. Cast after collaborating with several cast members, Brendan was introduced as part of the Austin family storyline, revealing he has autism which causes friction with his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan arrives in Summer Bay with his mother Gina to reunite with the family. During Hugo’s absence, his younger brother Xavier had been caring for him, leading to sibling disagreements. Brendan initially faces social difficulties but gradually forms connections encouraged by Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton. Under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan runs away several times, including an incident causing a car crash that blinds Roman Harris. Upon learning of Brendan’s condition, Roman decides not to press charges.

Brendan’s fear of blue cars originates from witnessing a previous accident involving Hugo. He later introduces Ruby Leeds, his girlfriend who has Down syndrome, prompting Gina to explore sheltered living options for Brendan. After rescuing Xavier from drowning despite his own limitations, Gina agrees Brendan can move out to live with Ruby. Brendan mistakenly attends what he believes is Hugo’s funeral but finds out Hugo is still alive. Following Gina’s death 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, previously known for his role in A Country Practice, joined the cast of Home and Away in a recurring capacity. John's character was portrayed as a disciplined paternal figure and an active member of 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 critical moment where they share an intimate encounter and become trapped in a caravan fire, which brings to light Geoff's internal struggle with his religious beliefs concerning their relationship.

Series producer Cameron Welsh described Claudia’s pregnancy plot as intricate, involving her misleading others about the paternity, which added layers of dramatic tension and character growth. Following an injury to Lachie caused by Geoff, Claudia experiences remorse for her part in the conflict. Lincoln Lewis, who plays Geoff, remarked that Claudia’s role contributed significantly to his character's maturation.

Claudia joins Geoff in working at the farm, sparking their romance. After their intimate night and the caravan fire ordeal, Lachie confronts Geoff aggressively. Claudia discloses her pregnancy but initially denies that Lachie is the father, despite their breakup. Lachie's efforts to reconcile are firmly declined.

As hostilities rise between Geoff and Lachie, a forceful tackle by Geoff during a football match leaves Lachie paralyzed. Overcome with guilt, Claudia confesses that Lachie is indeed the father. Geoff reacts with anger and expels her from his life. Lachie's violent tendencies persist, leading Claudia to restrict his access to their child and relocate to live with her cousin in Dubbo.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond’s (Alexandra Park) former boyfriend with whom he maintained an intermittent relationship spanning six months. Lachie returns with the intention of rekindling their romance but ultimately decides to leave her be. When Claudia announces her pregnancy, she initially denies that Lachie is the father; however, it later becomes clear that he is. This revelation creates friction between Lachie and Claudia’s new partner, Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Following a violent altercation resulting in Lachie's hospitalization, Claudia opts to exclude him from their child's life and departs Summer Bay permanently.

The Daily Record observed that Geoff, usually even-tempered, directs his frustration toward Lachie after enduring a series of setbacks.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, portrayed by Jeremy Sims, appeared from 13 May until 10 June 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald commended Sims for delivering a compelling and unsettling portrayal of a menacing antagonist.

Gardy infiltrates the residence of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), his blind military comrade, swiftly becoming embroiled in violent disputes including a physical confrontation with John Palmer (Shane Withington). He pursues dangerous plans aimed at restoring Roman’s sight and later coerces him into participating in a liquor store heist that triggers an elderly woman's heart attack. Gardy threatens to implicate Roman for the crime and intensifies his criminal behavior by robbing the Palmer household and taking hostages.

It emerges that Gardy is blackmailing Roman over a wartime shooting incident. During a planned robbery at a warehouse that escalates into violence, Gardy shoots Roman and engages in a gunfight while pursuing him. Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) is also taken hostage amid the standoff. Although wounded by Roman, Gardy manages to flee upon police arrival, disappearing without resolution.

May Stone

May Stone, played 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 still seeing Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, explained that Charlie never intended to cause May pain despite the ongoing affair. The Daily Record criticized Angelo for his lack of sensitivity towards May, who was visibly upset following their breakup.

May adapts well to her teaching position and life in the community, developing feelings for Angelo. Once their relationship begins, Charlie’s jealousy surfaces. Angelo reassures May that his feelings for Charlie are over; however, he later admits he still loves Charlie and has an affair with her, initially keeping this hidden. When May grows serious about their relationship, Angelo confesses and ends things with her. Upon discovering the truth, May promptly resigns and decides to leave Summer Bay.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden, was introduced on 30 July 2009 and portrayed by various young actors. After Harry’s birth, Rachel faces difficulties bonding with him and managing his constant crying, even considering smothering him before seeking assistance. Following accusations from Jane Avent that Rachel is unfit due to a prior tragedy, Jane abducts Harry, prompting a police search. Jane’s husband Rex is shocked by her behavior. Ultimately, Harry is found unharmed and returned safely to his parents.

In August 2010, Harry moves to Boston with Rachel and Tony, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack’s gravesite before leaving.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, portrayed by Robert Mammone, first appeared on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to positive audience reaction, Sid returned permanently in June 2010 alongside Indigo and Dexter.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, originally played by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, was recast in 2010 with Charles Cottier. Cottier described Dexter as undergoing significant character development. An early prominent storyline featured Dexter’s romantic involvement with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier found both challenging and distinctive because of their considerable age gap.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, enacted by Samara Weaving, debuted on 30 July 2009 as part of the newly introduced Walker family: father Sid (Robert Mammone), mother Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), son Dexter (Tom Green), and Indigo herself. The family departed the series in September 2009 but returned in June 2010; Weaving noted that balancing the comeback with other commitments was more manageable.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, played by Socratis Otto, first appeared on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder-related storyline, Robertson was intended to inject levity into a plot not centered on intense police drama. Walker described him as an eccentric and witty detective whose skill in manipulation draws multiple characters into investigations, blending darker themes with humor and vitality. Otto utilized his comedic background and inspiration from unconventional investigators in drama to shape what he considers one of his finest roles. The Daily Record characterized Robertson as "ruthless," emphasizing concerns voiced by characters like Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher).

Robertson investigates the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton’s (Rebecca Breeds) biological father. He initially suspects Ruby’s mother Charlie and arrests her before learning that her father Ross (David Downer) has confessed. Despite his eccentricity, Robertson proves competent; he dates Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), though she declines to pursue a relationship.

He later returns to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), working alongside Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill) and focusing suspicion on Alf as the main suspect. Despite several arrests, Robertson lacks conclusive proof. He attempts to revive his relationship with Leah, who refuses due to unresolved feelings for ex-boyfriend Elijah Johnson (Jay Laga'aia). Robertson pressures Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into accusing Alf, resulting in Alf’s arrest. However, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) challenges the charges; Charlie refuses cooperation and threatens to take over the case. Morag exposes Will as dishonest, forcing Robertson to release Alf and charge Will instead.

After this setback leaves him feeling unsettled, Robertson confides in Leah about his loss of identity; she comforts him by reminding him that errors are part of being human. 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 obtained this role after moving to Sydney while unemployed. Romeo is depicted as charming, cheeky, humorous, and courteous. His family on-screen features his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). Significant relationships include those with Annie Campbell and subsequently Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Others

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External links

• Present cast and characters on the Official Home and Away site
• Present cast and characters via Holy Soap

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
30 January	Bank manager		Detects unauthorized attempt to access Leah Patterson-Baker's finances.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Engages in illegal abalone trade; apprehended after framing Aden; provides information regarding Hugo.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police officer conducting investigations in Summer Bay.
3 February	Lawyer	Blair Cutting	Legal representative for Angelo Rosetta.
4 February–25 January 2010	Lou De Bono	David Roberts	Dates Irene Roberts; dies at sea; Irene initially suspected of murder.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless guardian of Melody Jones; aids in her recovery.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Attacker of Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines interview to protect aged care home; persuaded by Melody Jones.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Grandmother of Melody Jones; passes away from a stroke during the storyline.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participant in speed dating event; brief interaction with Leah Patterson-Baker.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Brother of Joey Collins; grapples with her sexuality; later reconciles following family conflicts.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Survivor of shipwreck involved in illegal human smuggling; arrested alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Employer of Belle at the newspaper; involved in an affair causing workplace tension.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Former partner of Robert Cruze; files complaint after assault; injured upon arrival.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Belle’s coworker; involved in an affair and engages in workplace bullying.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged wife of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou’s death.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Wife of Liam Murphy; struggles with his drug addiction leading to divorce and moving 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 undermining teammate Geoff Campbell’s career.
14 July–18 August	Jane Avent	Felicity Price	Grieving mother who blames Dr Rachel Armstrong for stillbirth and kidnaps Rachel’s son, prompting police involvement.
14 July–18 August	Rex Avent	Sandy Winton	Husband of Jane Avent; initially defends her actions before recognizing her need for help.
14 July–26 January 2010	Wayan Rahardjo	Dorje Swallow	Hospital patient with limited English linked to Hugo Austin’s smuggling ring; used by Angelo Rosetta for investigation purposes.
20–21 July	Paul	Thomas Norrie	Minor role appearing briefly in Summer Bay scenes.
23 July–18 August	'Squirt'	'Ben Davy-Thorburn'	'Friend and colleague of Aden Jefferies; participates in Aden’s stag party.'
29 July-27 November	'Marine Officer Bryant'	'Michael Sutherland'	'Water police officer aiding Angelo Rosetta in exposing human trafficking activities.'
30 July–17 August 2011	'Jody Walker'	'Victoria Haralabidou'	'Sid Walker’s spouse; attempts reconciliation but departs following infidelity.'
20 August	'Michelle'	'Michelle Pettigrove'	'Charlie Buckton’s aunt who discloses that Ruby Buckton is Charlie’s daughter.'
24 August–8 July 2010	'Therese'	'Rose Ashton'	'Nurse involved in a brief affair with Dr Sid Walker, causing tension with Nicole Franklin.'
28 August–11 September	'Andy McLeod'	'Paul Winchester'	'Member of parent group offering advice to Rachel Armstrong, leading to marital concerns.'
	'Sophia McLeod'	'Madeline Andrews'	'Andy’s daughter diagnosed with a hearing impairment by Rachel Armstrong.'
1–16 September	'Grant Bledcoe'	'Clayton Watson'	'Biological father of Ruby Leeds, accused by Charlie Buckton of rape, later found murdered.'
8 September	'Tracey Bledcoe'	'Mary Anne Byrne'	'Wife of Grant Bledcoe, shocked by accusations against him.'
15 September–1 March 2012	'Patrick Avery'	'Clayton Williams'	'Police constable appearing intermittently, including bailing Sid Walker on assault charges.'
18–22 September	'Ruby Leeds'	'Tracie Sammmut'	'Girlfriend of Brendan advocating for his independence.'
18 September	'Pheobe'	'Alisha Burton'	'Short-term 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 on the farm; used as bait during human trafficking investigation.'
	'Suzy Sudiro'	'Tasneem Roc'	'Ex-wife of Hugo Austin involved in people smuggling; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie for ransom before being subdued.'
6–17 November	'Riley Radcliffe'	'Tani Edgecombe'	'School bully targeting VJ Patterson; injuries lead to police uncovering family abuse.'
	'Ian Radcliffe'	'Ben Simpson'	'Riley’s father who abuses him and attempts bribery; police reveal the truth.'
9–24 November	'Poppie Merrin'	'Elouise Blair'	'Instigates conflict between Liam Murphy and Nicole Franklin resulting in Liam’s drug possession arrest.'
17–24 November	'Reg Merrin'	'Dane Carson'	'Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies and later dismisses him following an incident involving his daughter Catie.'
18–24 November	'Catie Merrin'	'Tess Haubrich'	'Daughter of Reg Merrin who manipulates social situations leading to Aden’s termination.'
19–23 November	'Orson Cardillo'	'Mark Lee'	'Longtime gardener for Donna De Bono implicated in a gun planting scandal, suffers heart attack during investigation.'
20 November	'Bonita Cardillo'	'Suzi Dougherty'	'Defends husband Orson amidst accusations related to Donna De Bono case.'
25 November–18 February 2010	'Hazem Kassir'	'Ben Kermode'	'Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; suffers racially motivated attack resulting in paralysis and breakup.'
26 November	'Prison Guard'	'Joe Tarena'	'On duty during Derrick Quaid's escape from custody.'