Bryce Stewart

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 1988 (1988-01)
Headquarters	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network in January 1988. This section outlines the characters introduced during 2016, all of whom were brought into the storyline under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The 29th season commenced on 1 February 2016. The season opener featured the arrival of Dylan Carter. In March, Isla Schultz and Lindsay Ford were introduced, followed by Mick Jennings and Tori Morgan in May. The Morgan brothers—Brody, Justin, and Mason—made their entrance in June. July saw the debut of Tabitha Ford, while September brought in siblings Hope Morrison and Raffy Morrison. Later in November, Jeannie Woods was introduced, with Justin's daughter, Ava Gilbert, arriving in December.

Dylan Carter

Dylan Carter, played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, made his first appearance on 1 February 2016. Taylor's casting was revealed in August 2015. He characterized Dylan as a multifaceted detective with deep ties to Summer Bay. Dylan collaborated with Katarina Chapman (Pia Miller) during the investigation into Charlotte King's (Erika Heynatz) murder. He reprised this role in 2017 and made guest appearances again in 2019.

Serving as the lead investigator on Charlotte King's murder case, Dylan worked closely alongside Kat despite a complex shared history. Their inquiry involved suspects such as Martin Ashford, Zac MacGuire, and Hunter King. Dylan initially arrested Ash but later exonerated him after an alibi was verified. The discovery of Charlotte’s secondary phone shifted suspicion onto Zac, who was subsequently charged with her murder. However, legal counsel Morag Bellingham exposed judicial improprieties involving Dylan, which resulted in his suspension.

Dylan’s conduct became increasingly volatile, culminating in an assault on Ash and a hostage situation at 31 Saxon Avenue. Kat confronted him about his unresolved grief over losing his son Anton, which ultimately led to Dylan’s arrest.

In 2017, evidence connected Dylan to an abandoned vessel linked to Robbo, who was suffering from amnesia at the time. Further developments revealed that Dylan survived a violent encounter with Robbo and was implicated in Robbo’s abduction. After a confrontation involving the Ouroboros gang, Dylan was apprehended by the Australian Federal Police. Weeks afterward, reports surfaced that Dylan had been killed while incarcerated.

Isla Schultz

Isla Schultz, played by singer Samantha Jade, made her first appearance on 3 March 2016. Jade’s casting was revealed on 5 September 2015, with filming commencing soon after. She wrapped up her role by November 2016. Jade characterized Isla as somewhat mischievous, with a troubled history involving risky associates, yet fundamentally having good intentions.

Isla comes to Summer Bay harboring "ill motives" and quickly becomes romantically linked to Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). Employed by Dave Rogers, her mission is to recover a debt Kyle owes from a poker game. Following threats from Dave, both Isla and Kyle are abducted and forced to dig graves for themselves but manage to escape. Kyle offers Isla shelter for protection, leading to their romantic involvement.

Isla’s ex-partner, Harry Kingswood, arrives in Summer Bay with their daughters for a visit. After a custody dispute, Kyle persuades Isla to return the children to Harry. When Harry plans to relocate interstate, Isla attempts a robbery at the Reefton Lakes golf club; however, Kyle intervenes and is arrested for armed robbery, choosing to take the blame to shield Isla. Before departing, Isla promises to honor Kyle’s sacrifice.

Lindsay Ford

Lindsay Ford, portrayed by Georgia Flood, debuted on 17 March 2016. Flood’s casting was announced in October 2015, with the character unveiled in March 2016. Flood expressed enthusiasm for the role and enjoyed her guest appearance filming experience.

Lindsay tries to reach out to Hunter King (Scott Lee), who initially ignores her attempts. She later visits the caravan park, introduces herself to Hunter's girlfriend Olivia (Raechelle Banno), and discloses that she was the one who assisted Hunter when he left Summer Bay. Lindsay intends to stay but insists she won't interfere with Hunter and Olivia’s relationship. Nonetheless, she confesses to Olivia that she shared a kiss with Hunter. After Hunter apologizes for leading her on and asks her to leave, Lindsay hints to Olivia that their connection went beyond a kiss, prompting Olivia to end her relationship with Hunter. Lindsay then orchestrates a plan involving Drew Panton (Govinda Roser-Finch) to capture compromising photos of Olivia, which results in Hunter and Olivia breaking up. Lindsay provokes Olivia at the diner and later attempts to rekindle things with Hunter, who insists on remaining friends. She steals Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) ute, causing Hunter to be knocked unconscious while trying to stop her. Lindsay escapes but is confronted by Olivia, who warns her to leave town or face legal consequences related to the incident.

Mick Jennings

Mick Jennings, portrayed by Kristian Schmid, first appeared on 5 May 2016 as the long-lost son of established character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Irene had revealed that she was raped at age fourteen and gave up a child for adoption; this child was later confirmed as Mick. Additionally, Mick was identified as Billie Ashford’s (Tessa de Josselin) rapist, marking a dark narrative that labeled him as a "twisted" antagonist.

Mick arrives under the guise of being Chris Harrington's uncle and gains Irene's confidence. He kidnaps Irene while claiming to be her son; however, she initially refuses to accept this. After an unsuccessful attempt to abduct Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) thwarted by police intervention, Irene escapes and Mick is arrested. A DNA test confirms his identity. Upon seeing his tattoo, Billie recognizes Mick as her attacker. Released early from a psychiatric facility, Mick returns but is tasered and arrested for violating an AVO after confronting Irene.

After learning he fathered Billie’s newborn daughter Luc Patterson, Mick takes Luc from the hospital but returns her following an apology to Irene and Billie. He then surrenders himself to authorities and later seeks visitation rights for Luc.

Months later, Mick applies for parole; despite efforts from Billie’s brother Martin Ashford (George Mason), Irene declines to support him. Upon release, Irene arranges motel accommodation but distances herself after learning more about his past actions. Mick tries to reconcile but is rejected; Alf Stewart organizes a mining job in Western Australia for him, which Mick initially refuses.

Tensions rise when Martin Ashford kidnaps Mick and threatens him; Mick survives a fall and is rescued by locals. He hires legal representation aiming for custody of Luc but struggles due to inconsistent medication use affecting his behavior. After Luc is taken from Summer Bay by VJ Patterson, Alf convinces Mick to accept the mining position; Irene decides to accompany him for support. Several months later, following a mining accident, Irene travels westward to assist Mick.

Tori Morgan

Tori Morgan, portrayed by Penny McNamee, made her first appearance on 5 May 2016. Announced on 22 November 2015, McNamee described this role as her "dream job." She started filming in early November and expressed gratitude for the support received from co-star Georgie Parker during production. Tori is a physician looking to begin anew in Summer Bay, carrying "dark secrets." She arrives ahead of her three siblings to evaluate whether the town is a safe environment for her family.

Brody Morgan

Brody Morgan, played by Jackson Heywood, debuted on 7 June 2016. Heywood, who had previously appeared in 2009 as Lachie Cladwell, was cast alongside James Stewart and Orpheus Pledger, who portray his brothers. Their casting was announced on 5 December 2015, with filming commencing the week of 7 December. Heywood acknowledged comparisons with the Braxton brothers but emphasized that Brody’s storyline and relationships offer a unique dynamic. Brody is depicted as an ambitious chef with significant goals.

Justin Morgan

Justin Morgan, enacted by James Stewart, also premiered on 7 June 2016. His casting was revealed alongside that of Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger on 5 December 2015, with filming starting during the week of 7 December. This role marked Stewart’s return to a regular television part following a hiatus to care for his daughter. Stewart highlighted the importance of establishing the new family unit rather than drawing parallels to previous characters. In August 2017, he was longlisted for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards, though he did not make it to the final viewer-selected shortlist.

Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan, played by Orpheus Pledger, also first appeared on screen on 7 June 2016. His casting was announced simultaneously with his on-screen brothers in December 2015, and he began filming soon after. Pledger relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role. Mason is portrayed as a medical student who balances academic responsibilities with an active social life and fitness regime, representing an optimistic and ethical character.

Tabitha Ford

Tabitha Ford, enacted by Eliza Scanlen, appeared as a recurring student character from 21 July to 27 September 2016. Known for her antagonistic presence at Summer Bay High, Tabitha was identified as a notably disruptive figure who engaged in manipulative tactics such as identity fraud and blackmail aimed at undermining fellow student Olivia Fraser Richards. Her storyline culminated in police involvement and parental intervention before she left for boarding school. Tabitha’s arc explored themes of rivalry and psychological manipulation among the show's younger characters.

Hope Morrison

Hope Morrison, portrayed by Jessica Falkholt, was introduced on 19 September 2016 as a recurring character. She is the sister of Raffy Morrison and niece of Atticus Decker. Following an initial confrontation with Justin Morgan, Hope becomes entangled in a perilous situation involving Spike Lowe, who attempts to abduct her and Raffy in order to gain access to Decker at the hospital; Spike is eventually apprehended.

Hope and Raffy are invited to reside at the farmhouse alongside Kat Chapman and Phoebe Nicholson. Hope's conduct generates tension, including incidents such as stealing clothing and accusing John Palmer of damaging her phone in an attempt to extort money. She secures a part-time position at the garage but commits theft by using customers' credit card information, which leads to her arrest for misappropriation.

After her release, Hope discovers that Raffy is Decker’s daughter and thus her half-sister. Following a car theft incident resulting in serious injury, Hope receives medical care but remains distrustful of the Morgan family. She and Raffy plan to leave Summer Bay; however, Hope’s subsequent theft from Salt results in another arrest and remand. Struggling with isolation while imprisoned, she overdoses on stolen sleeping pills but recovers after being hospitalized.

Before returning to custody, Hope apologizes to Phoebe and encourages Raffy to place trust in the Morgans. While incarcerated, she sends Raffy a handmade birthday card as a gesture of reconciliation.

Raffy Morrison

Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016. Deeble moved from Melbourne to Sydney specifically for the role and was contracted for three years. She opted not to extend her contract, with her final episode airing on 12 September 2019.

Raffy enters the storyline amid family upheaval involving her sister Hope Morrison and the Morgans, revealing that she is their half-sibling through their mother, Kate Lee. After uncovering hidden family truths and dealing with the tragic loss of their parents due to drug-related violence, Raffy encounters numerous personal trials, including a near-abduction and coping with her brother Brody’s battle with substance addiction.

Enrolled at Summer Bay High, Raffy forms a close bond with Eloise Page and eventually moves in with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers because of instability at home. She faces bullying and perilous situations, such as being trapped inside a vehicle by a former student, from which Robbo rescues her.

Her friendships develop further, especially with newcomer Coco Astoni and Ryder Jackson, with whom she starts a romantic relationship. Raffy experiences emotional trauma after discovering a corpse, leading to nightmares and police involvement. She supports friends through medical emergencies and confronts her own health challenges when diagnosed with epilepsy.

Her romance with Ty Anderson progresses until he reveals his homosexuality, resulting in their breakup. Raffy navigates intricate social relationships, including aiding Ty’s efforts to reconcile with his estranged mother. After sustaining a head injury during a camping trip, Raffy’s epilepsy symptoms worsen, necessitating medical treatment.

Involved in family conflicts surrounding Brody’s infidelity, Raffy also builds new friendships with Bella Nixon and Jett James. Due to conflicting schedules, her relationship with Ryder deteriorates, culminating in their separation. Following Tori Morgan’s entrance into witness protection, Raffy decides to participate in a medical trial in Victoria, departing Summer Bay after heartfelt farewells to loved ones.

Jeannie Woods

Jeannie Woods, portrayed by Anna Bamford, was introduced on 1 November 2016 and featured for approximately six weeks. She arrives in Summer Bay as a romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), having been invited by Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast) to take part in a charity volleyball event.

Jeannie initially bonds with Brody when she assists him in collecting barbecue supplies he dropped. She registers for the volleyball match paired with Matt Page (Alec Snow), while Brody sponsors Evelyn to play alongside Jeannie. After briefly disappearing, Jeannie returns for a job interview at the restaurant Brody owns. Despite an awkward interview, Brody hires her, leading to flirtatious exchanges between them.

Following a misunderstanding where Jeannie declines Brody’s romantic advance, she resigns but later agrees to return after his invitation. Their connection strengthens over a dinner date; however, complications arise when Jeannie’s father, Randall (Paul Ceaser), appears. Randall’s doomsday prepper mindset creates tension between Jeannie and Brody, prompting them to date secretly before conflicts escalate. After disputes about Randall’s beliefs and insensitive comments from Brody, Jeannie ends their relationship and leaves the restaurant to pursue employment in Yabbie Creek.

Ava Gilbert

Ava Gilbert made her debut on 8 December 2016 as the daughter of Justin Morgan (James Stewart). Initially played by Grace Thomas and later by Alice Roberts, the character was recast with Annabel Wolfe in February 2023 to accommodate more mature plotlines reflecting Ava’s transition into adolescence. Ava unexpectedly returns to visit Justin but finds it difficult to conceal her feelings for his apprentice, Theo Poulos (Matt Evans). Wolfe explained that the storyline explores the complexities of father-daughter relationships and generational differences, with Ava’s defiant nature causing friction. Her arrival aligns with Justin’s wedding to Leah in April 2024.

At first, Ava forms connections with Justin’s fiancée Phoebe Nicholson and his sister Raffy Morrison. After a dispute between Justin and Ava’s stepfather Brian Gilbert (Tom O'Sullivan), Ava flees and is hit by a vehicle. Subsequently, Brian grants Justin visitation time with Ava, who stays with him during Nina and Brian’s absence and develops a friendship with Scarlett Snow. Ava also encounters Justin’s girlfriend Willow Harris, establishing rapport before being abducted by Boyd Easton and rescued by Justin alongside Colby Thorne. Following Willow’s exit, Nina limits Justin’s access to Ava.

When Ava returns to live with Justin, she initially resents his new partner Leah Patterson but gradually builds a relationship through shared interests such as football. Following the separation of Nina and Brian, Justin assumes full responsibility for Ava, overseeing her interactions with Brian and organizing camping trips with Leah. During Justin’s health struggles, including surgery for a spinal tumor, he focuses on creating meaningful moments with Ava before she returns to the city.

External links

• Cast and characters on the official Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
			Louisa invites Josh Barrett to join her and friends from their HSC class for an afternoon gathering. When Josh attends to Casey Braxton, Louisa, Glen Day, and Adriana Kerr accompany him at his residence. Frustrated by Casey's crying, Louisa turns off the baby monitor to spend uninterrupted time with Josh.
			Glen and Adriana spend time together with Louisa and Josh. Glen departs for work; Louisa encourages Adriana to follow Glen so she can be alone with Josh.
			The Psychiatric Nurse permits Skye Peters to visit her mother Carol and informs her that Carol remains conscious despite her condition.
18 February			Destiny goes on a first date with Chris Harrington at the diner. They connect until Chris brings up his ex-girlfriend, revealing unresolved feelings; Destiny leaves.
25 February			During a high school basketball match, Coach McKinnon intervenes in an altercation between VJ Patterson and Hunter King, resulting in VJ being sent off.
2 March	Zara Leonard	Georgia Nichols	Oscar MacGuire notices Zara at Angelo's and talks to her about their university studies. Later, Skye Peters observes Oscar and Zara kissing on the balcony.
	Claire Lewis	Anita Hegh	Claire visits Irene Roberts, suggesting a possible mother-daughter connection. They develop a bond until Olivia Fraser Richards reveals through DNA testing that Claire is not Irene's daughter. Claire departs after staying with Irene.
	Harry Kingswood	Wayne Bradley	Harry brings Florence and Lulu to Summer Bay to see their mother Isla Schultz. Later, he reports Isla took the girls; Kyle Braxton discovers Isla working in a brothel and persuades her to return them.
		Charlee Kwintner
	Lulu Kingswood	Mia Kwintner
17 March	Alessia De Luca	Bridgette Hollitt	Alessia attends a university party at Angelo's introduced by Maddy Osborne. She flirts with Oscar MacGuire; Skye Peters later witnesses them kissing.
	Tanya Hardy	Ashleigh O'Brien	Tanya meets Oscar MacGuire after Alessia leaves the party. When Skye mentions Oscar was previously with another woman, Tanya walks away.
22–31 March	Drew Panton	Govinda Roser-Finch	Drew attends Lindsay Ford's beach party; Lindsay pays him $50 to make advances toward Olivia Fraser Richards for a photo intended to provoke Hunter King. Drew admits disliking Lindsay and attending only for free drinks.
	Dom Loneragan	Lindsay Farris	Photographer friend of Ricky Sharpe hired for wedding photoshoot and hospital fundraiser. Dom flirts with Phoebe Nicholson; after surviving an explosion together they start dating. Dom reveals he has a daughter named Bella Loneragan. His wife Tess visits; Dom confesses Tess cheated on him. Phoebe ends their relationship so he can attempt reconciliation with his family.
20 April	Womma	Dean Kyrwood	Kat Chapman and Martin Ashford confront Womma upon learning Dylan Carter hired him to intimidate witnesses and vandalize properties.
21 April–9 March 2020		Nicholas Cassim	Replacing Sergeant Mike Emerson, McCarthy arrives in Summer Bay. Katarina Chapman reports Dylan Carter for assault; McCarthy tells her Dylan denies it and is involved in a murder investigation. He advises Kat to report work-related issues directly to him.
12 May–8 June		Teagan Croft	Dom Loneragan's daughter who initially resents Phoebe Nicholson but eventually accepts their relationship. Bella's mother Tess brings her to Summer Bay; though initially hostile, she later offers support.
	Alexandra Newman	Kate Fraser	Alexandra is rushed into hospital due to fetal distress; she delivers a baby girl named after Nate Cooper and Tori Morgan.
		Uncredited
17 May 2016 – 10 April 2017		Karen Pang	Dr Chung interviews candidates for head of emergency alongside Dr Ben Dawson. She prescribes Roo Stewart diazepam for stress and manages cases including Billie Ashford’s death due to medical negligence. She oversees hospital budget cuts leading to staff layoffs.
	}	Uncredited	Andrew and Kathy are hospitalized after gunshot wounds from an armed robbery; Andrew briefly flatlines but is revived.
	}	Susan Boyd
	}	Sophie Roche	Tess is Dom Loneragan's wife and Bella's mother. She visits Summer Bay expressing love for Dom, applies for Navy shore leave, spends time with Dom and Bella while seeking reconciliation.
7 June 2016–12 July 2021	}	Himself/Buddy	The Morgan family’s boxer dog who befriends Raffy Morrison. Buddy accidentally ingests methamphetamine pills but recovers following veterinary treatment. Willow Harris kidnaps Buddy during a conflict involving hidden money; he is later safely returned. The dog actor Buddy passed away in May 2025.
9 June	}	Beth Aubrey	Janette informs John Palmer that Skye Peters has changed address through DHS but is not required to disclose her location since she is sixteen years old.
13 June, 20 February 2018	Nurse Erica	Claudia Barrie	Erica questions Tori Morgan about delivering a chart to Nate Cooper, hinting at workplace gossip regarding Tori’s involvement in Nate’s marital issues. She later assists Maggie Astoni following chemotherapy complications.
14 June–12 July	}	Elle Harris	Lara surprises Mason Morgan by arriving in Summer Bay; their relationship faces opposition from Justin Morgan due to witness protection concerns within Mason's family. Lara secretly continues seeing Mason before returning to Brisbane. Later revealed collaborating against the Morgans alongside Spike Lowe and Blaine Varden; involved in Mason's kidnapping before arrest.
23 June–14 July	}	Ash Ricardo	Supervisor of teens performing community service who confiscates Hunter King's phone and escorts Jordan Walsh to foster carers John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. Danika begins a casual relationship with Nate Cooper after meeting him at the beach.
23 June–26 July	}	Benny Turland	Jordan completes community service at the beach, befriends Hunter King, suffers dehydration, then moves into foster care with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. He struggles with past homelessness symbolized by carrying a pocket knife but bonds through work at Salt juice bar. After his father Aaron Walsh is released from prison followed by burglary incidents, Jordan reconciles before returning to the city.
27 June	}	Ella Rose Corby	Medical student partnered with Mason Morgan for an assignment; admires Nate Cooper’s clinical skills during discussions about potential medical errors.
28 June–10 November	}	James O'Connell	Hired by Andy Barrett for car re-birthing operations; later involved in marijuana trafficking linked to Martin Ashford and Caroline Stewart. Simmo becomes entangled in criminal activities including blackmailing Ash and Kat Chapman, carjacking Phoebe Nicholson’s vehicle, vehicle sabotage, and orchestrating violent attacks.
29 June–20 September ... [Content truncated due to length constraints] ...