Chris Hale (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This list highlights characters who made their debut in 1989, all introduced under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season premiered on 23 January 1989. The initial character to appear that year was Martha Stewart in January, followed by the schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February. In April, Rebecca Fisher was introduced, with Emily Symons joining the cast as Marilyn Chambers in May. June saw the birth of Duncan Stewart, the child of Alf and Ailsa. Later that month, Mat Stevenson began portraying Adam Cameron. In July, Mouche Phillips was cast as Viv Newton, and September brought the arrival of Dannii Minogue as Emma Jackson.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart appeared initially from 25 January to 13 February 1989, played by Alison Mulvaney. She was introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). The character returned to the series on 27 March 2018, recast with Belinda Giblin, an actress previously featured in the show. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced as part of the program’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Martha’s storyline revealed she had not died as once thought but had vanished due to dissatisfaction with her circumstances. Her comeback led to efforts at reconciliation with Alf and their daughter Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). Central to her narrative was her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), which provided context for her prior absences and difficulties in maintaining relationships.

Originally married to Alf and mother to Roo (initially portrayed by Justine Clarke), Martha was believed to have drowned following a sailing mishap in 1985. Flashback scenes disclosed her awareness of Bobby Simpson’s true parentage and her involvement in Bobby’s adoption.

Years later, Alf confides in Roo that Martha is alive. Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Martha is initially reluctant to fully reconnect due to anxiety linked to her BPD. After undergoing treatment, she begins repairing bonds with Alf and Roo while continuing to manage her condition.

Martha and Alf rekindle their romance, culminating in Alf proposing marriage once more after experiencing personal loss. They wed and maintain residences both in Summer Bay and Merimbula, where Martha pursues her art career. Conflicts arise concerning Martha’s strong connection to her Merimbula home, which she regards as vital for coping with her BPD.

The storyline expands with the introduction of Martha’s son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), adding complexity to family relations. Martha confides in Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) about Kieran before presenting him to Alf and Roo.

Currently, Martha primarily lives in Merimbula while Alf frequently visits, sustaining their relationship 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, also featured in the show, playing the role of headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "the troublemaker of Summer Bay." Although Coburn initially had reservations about portraying the character, she eventually appreciated playing the antagonist. Her appearances were semi-regular, and she completed filming her final scenes in June 1990, reflecting that the role offered consistent employment and valuable professional growth. She particularly enjoyed shooting a fight sequence with Dannii Minogue shortly before her exit.

Within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, Vicki serves as a disruptive figure. She ridicules Carly Morris for repeating Year 12 and bullies Viv Newton. Vicki often finds herself at odds with Emma Jackson (Minogue). When Grant Mitchell begins teaching, Vicki falsely accuses him of sexual harassment after he rejects her advances, resulting in his suspension. Emma compels Vicki to admit the truth, leading to Grant's reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki frames Emma for stealing exam papers, causing Emma's expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen team up with Vicki's cousin Anna to unveil Vicki's manipulations, ultimately leading to Vicki's own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, first appeared on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher. During her visit to Summer Bay, she becomes romantically involved with Steven Matheson. Producers recognized the strong chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated occasional returns for the character. In 1994, Danielle Carter took over the role for a seven-week period. Two years later, Belinda Emmett assumed the part and received nominations for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998, 1999), and the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but returned between 1995 and 1999. Dannii Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn but was cast as Emma Jackson instead, while Symons secured the role of Marilyn. Holy Soap described Marilyn 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, was introduced on 28 June 1989. Stevenson had previously appeared in the rival soap Neighbours as a minor criminal character. He moved from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role and departed from the series in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as "somewhat of a layabout" who occasionally displays kindness but generally prefers leisure over responsibility. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "former joker" and "carefree spirit." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and expressed interest in rejoining full-time, noting that little had changed in the show since his initial departure.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, made her first appearance on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips started filming soon after co-star Justine Clarke left the series. She expressed a preference for maintaining a busy schedule on set, frequently moving between different locations, which occasionally resulted in production delays.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, was featured from 22 September 1989 until 22 August 1990. Minogue initially auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers but was ultimately cast as Emma. After one year, she exited the show to concentrate on her music career. Although there were rumors about her returning for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reappear. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Her role also contributed to her being recognized among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever" by Holy Soap.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Details
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les, Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé, appears in flashbacks set in 1970. Their engagement celebration ends in tragedy when Les is killed during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay, reveals his engagement to Stacey Macklin, and attempts to acquire the caravan park. He falsely implicates Roo Stewart in sending poison pen letters and assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, Alison Patterson’s younger sister, attends Summer Bay Primary School. She uncovers Morag Bellingham’s manuscript and disputes with Sally Fletcher regarding local folklore.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades. Their marriage ends following the revelation of Morag’s secret about Bobby Simpson's parentage.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	A journalist investigating Morag’s history who manipulates locals for information but is warned off by Alf Stewart.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble but struggles with illiteracy; she eventually leaves him to reunite with her abusive ex-boyfriend Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	A friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting addressing a local shark threat.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble's mother appears during a family dinner aimed at tempering Leanne Dunn’s expectations.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble's brother; present at a family meal alongside siblings Errol and parents Ern and Nola.
8 March	Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Another of Martin Dibble's brothers; attends the family gathering.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who helps oversee the Blaxland mansion and develops an unreciprocated friendship with Celia Stewart before resigning.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about Donald’s son’s novel and Morag’s maternity disclosure.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn's violent ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble; despite the altercation, Leanne leaves with him.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	A troublemaker responsible for thefts and arson causing Philip Matheson's death; bullies foster siblings and is imprisoned for murder. After parole in 1995, he commits further crimes including framing Steven Matheson before disappearing following a confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	An ex-convict working at Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; harassed by Steven Matheson, framed for arson, and ultimately leaves town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley who seeks reconciliation prior to his death, leaving an inheritance and an apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Representative from Childcare Services managing foster placements and investigating abuse allegations involving the Newton family; revokes Viv Newton's guardianship during Donald Fisher’s murder trial but later restores her care.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s inflated claim following her 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 initially unimpressed with Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign a contract.
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 for Macklin corporation involved in a workers’ strike resolved through Roo Stewart's mediation; assists in rescue efforts for Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to engage Roo Stewart during a crisis.
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; departs for a promotion job in Los Angeles, inviting Stacey to join later.
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 questioning Brian "Dodge" Forbes regarding a stolen car incident; Steven Matheson initially takes responsibility.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; his mistreatment leads to intervention by authorities and custody disputes resolved through supervision orders before he relinquishes custody.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton caught in custody disputes due to their father's abuse; reunites with mother Angela Newton after years apart to start fresh in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson's uncle serving on local council; facilitates Matt's employment as beach inspector and closes Andrew Foley's advice centre; resigns following a 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	Sally Keating's estranged uncle seeking custody but ultimately accepts her decision to remain with the Fletchers before leaving Summer Bay.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Ross Keating's wife and Sally's aunt unable to have children; supports Sally while respecting her choice to stay with the Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter's father involved in controversy when Vicki falsely accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of molestation leading to temporary suspension followed by reinstatement.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge on Morag Bellingham for his father's imprisonment and suicide; infiltrates Morag’s life under false pretenses, holds her hostage, but escapes after intervention from Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in multiple investigations including arrests of local youths; promoted to sergeant; implicated in hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish’s death leading to suspension after confessing driven by guilt.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor coordinating Tom Fletcher’s transfer following his heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for the mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it was a hoax involving Martin Dibble in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson's wish to live with her, revealing family estrangement issues.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking a charter cruise with Adam Cameron; strands him on a remote island after deceiving him about companions’ departure plans.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble fail to secure purchase rights.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife appearing during community events related to council decisions affecting local businesses such as Martin Dibble's hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor searching for the Fletcher family claiming paternal ties; integrates into community before being killed by a shark, triggering storylines including shark hunting led by Zac Burgess.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Drug-addicted friend of Andrew Foley who stays briefly with Andrew and Stacey Macklin before destructive behavior leads to his departure.

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 at the Internet Movie Database