Christian Green

Gemma Parata

Gemma Parata, brought to life by Bree Peters, made her first appearance on 27 January 2020. Peters' involvement was announced in November 2019, with character specifics unveiled in TV Week during the week of 25–31 January 2020. Describing Gemma, Peters highlighted her role as a mother figure surrounded predominantly by males, drawing inspiration from her own circle of friends, and underscored the importance of family in shaping the character. Gemma is the mother to Nikau Parata (played by Kawakawa Fox-Reo) and is connected as sister-in-law to Tane Parata (Ethan Browne). Her departure occurred unexpectedly on 8 July 2020, as she returned to New Zealand to lay her late husband Mikaere’s ashes to rest.

After a hostage crisis involving her brother-in-law Ari Parata, Gemma visits him and subsequently accepts employment at the Pier Diner. Financial pressures compel Gemma and her family to move out of their motel accommodation and into Marilyn Chambers' residence. Conflicts emerge between Ari and Marilyn’s spouse John Palmer, complicated by Ari’s previous incarceration and Mikaere’s death during a robbery. Gemma plays a key role in resolving familial disputes and cautions Ari about rumors circulating regarding his new romantic involvement.

Gemma develops a connection with John Palmer through shared family experiences and provides support to Nikau amid his struggles related to Bella Nixon’s self-harming behavior. When Tane arrives on the scene, he offers the family a rental home, while Gemma transitions to working at Salt after experiencing reduced hours at the Diner. She organizes a hāngī gathering that includes friends such as Ben Astoni. Although Gemma flirts with Ben, she ultimately withdraws, citing her respect for Mikaere’s memory despite their growing closeness. Nikau initially challenges her but later reconciles.

Following a robbery at the Diner that implicates the Parata family, Gemma declines police requests for fingerprinting. She then decides to return alone to New Zealand to scatter Mikaere’s ashes after her sons are stopped at passport control, opting to stay there indefinitely and inviting Nikau to join her.

Nikau Parata

Nikau Parata, portrayed by Kawakawa Fox-Reo, first appeared on 28 January 2020. His casting was revealed alongside Rob Kipa-Williams (Ari Parata) in November 2019, with additional information released in December. Although Fox-Reo had secured admission to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he chose to join the series instead. He experienced homesickness after moving to Sydney for filming. Fox-Reo, Kipa-Williams, and Ethan Browne (Tane Parata) represent the show’s newly introduced Māori family and worked closely with writers to ensure cultural authenticity. Fox-Reo sought to infuse Nikau's character with elements reflecting his own upbringing and cultural humor.

Nikau is portrayed as impulsive and self-assured with women, maintaining a strong bond with his mother Gemma (Bree Peters). In search of his identity within Summer Bay, he initially interacts with Jade Lennox (Mia Morrissey), which leads to tensions involving Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich). Nikau also becomes romantically linked with Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), sharing a kiss despite Dean Thompson's (Patrick O'Connor) objections.

On 30 November 2022, reports confirmed that Fox-Reo would be departing the show after completing his final scenes. Viewers had speculated about his exit following changes in his appearance and overseas travel. Nikau’s departure aired on 2 March 2023, concluding with his decision to leave Summer Bay for New York alongside Bella.

Tane Parata

Tane Parata, portrayed by Ethan Browne, made his first appearance on 10 February 2020. Browne’s casting was revealed in December 2019, marking his television debut. Tane is introduced as the sibling of Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams) and cousin to Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo), together representing the series' new Māori family unit. The actors worked closely with the writing team to ensure cultural accuracy. Characterized as a "free-spirited" individual and a "mischief maker," Tane is fiercely loyal and protective towards his relatives. In a milestone 8000th episode aired on 27 March 2023, Tane marries Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis). After the exit of his immediate family members, producers expanded the family narrative by introducing his cousin Kahu Parata (Jordi Webber) in April 2023. Ethan Browne earned a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2022 Inside Soap Awards.

Marco Astoni

Marco Astoni, played by Tim Walter, first appeared on-screen on 12 March 2020. Walter had previously been featured in the show back in 2008. Marco is revealed as the estranged brother of established character Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol). His arrival serves to deepen Ben’s backstory and create tension due to Marco’s prior affair with Ben’s wife, Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi). Described as "confident" and "smooth-talking," Marco manages the family business, which has been negatively impacted by poor decisions, leaving him in financial difficulty.

Marco arrives in Summer Bay intending to reconcile with Ben on his birthday. Although Ben initially responds with hostility, his daughter Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) convinces him to allow Marco to stay. Maggie remains uneasy because of their one-night encounter from 22 years earlier, complicating family dynamics. Marco pressures Maggie to persuade Ben to invest in a business venture, threatening to expose their secret if she refuses. As tensions escalate and hidden truths emerge—including doubts about Ziggy’s paternity—Ben and Marco’s relationship remains strained. A paternity test ultimately confirms Ben as Ziggy’s biological father. Despite Marco’s efforts to mend ties, Ben rejects reconciliation, and Maggie urges Marco to leave to safeguard his reputation. Before departing, Marco acknowledges Ben’s role and encourages him to be a devoted husband to Maggie.

Evan Slater

Evan Slater, portrayed by Cameron Daddo, was introduced on 14 May 2020. Daddo’s casting was announced in November 2019 with a contract spanning two months. He described Summer Bay as "a delightful place" and expressed appreciation for securing the role during uncertain times in his acting career.

Evan is the estranged father of regular character Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) and emerges as a potential romantic interest for Ryder’s aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). Ryder initially reacts with confusion and suspicion toward Evan, while his grandfather Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) greets Evan's arrival with caution. It is revealed that Ryder’s mother Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) had a brief relationship with Evan when they were musicians aboard a cruise ship. Although Evan planned to settle down with Quinn on the Gold Coast, he ultimately left her, resulting in Alf’s cold reception that nearly caused Evan to leave Summer Bay altogether.

Amber Simmons

Amber Simmons, brought to life by Maddy Jevic, made her debut on 23 July 2020. Jevic, who had been an admirer of Home and Away prior to joining, began filming in January. She found the role of Amber—a home care worker assigned to assist John Palmer (Shane Withington) following his stroke—to be an engaging and unique departure from her previous role on Wentworth. Amber is depicted as a loyal, resilient, and humorous individual. Her history is intertwined with characters Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor), and Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), all of whom she grew up alongside in Mangrove River. When Amber encounters Colby, now a police officer, it rekindles memories of her past relationship with Dean.

Amber’s narrative centers on her unorthodox methods in aiding John's recovery, which lead to friction with both John and his wife Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons). Despite facing opposition at first, Amber is determined to remain as his caregiver. Her storyline deepens through a confrontation with Colby regarding the death of her brother Jai. Eventually, Amber mends fences with Willow and Dean and shares a romantic evening with Tane Parata (Ethan Browne). On 3 May 2021, it was announced that Amber and her son Jai Simmons (River Jarvis) would be departing the show later that month.

Owen Davidson

Owen Davidson, portrayed by Cameron Daddo, first appeared on 24 August 2020. The character was officially revealed by Woman's Day on 17 August 2020 and is introduced as the estranged twin brother of Evan Slater, another role played by Daddo. Daddo commented on the challenge of portraying dual roles but embraced the opportunity when Owen was added to the storyline. Owen also becomes romantically involved with Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). His final appearance was broadcast on 12 November 2020.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Owen is recognized by Ryder Jackson and Alf Stewart for his striking resemblance to Evan Slater. He discovers that he and Evan are twins who were separated at birth and adopted into different families. In search of connection, Owen borrows Evan’s guitar from Ryder and begins forming a bond with Roo Stewart, who shared a close relationship with Evan. Their romance develops swiftly after Owen persistently asks Roo out, leading to a successful date and the start of a relationship.

Owen’s birthday brings about emotional reflections on Evan, prompting him to decide to leave Summer Bay—a decision that deeply affects Roo. Following a brief separation caused by Roo confusing Owen with Evan, tensions emerge due to Roo’s family disapproving of Owen. Despite efforts to reconcile, Roo admits lingering feelings for Evan, resulting in the end of her relationship with Owen and his subsequent departure from Summer Bay.

Taylor Rosetta

Taylor Rosetta, played by Annabelle Stephenson, arrived on screen on 26 August 2020. Her casting was announced earlier on 1 August 2020. Stephenson initially auditioned remotely in 2019 but secured the role upon returning to Australia and relocating to Sydney for filming. She described the set atmosphere as laid-back and inviting. Taylor is portrayed as an amiable yet fiercely independent physiotherapist.

Taylor is married to Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), who comes back to Summer Bay after an extended absence. Their shared history reveals that Taylor developed feelings for Angelo during her physiotherapy studies, drawn by his enthusiasm and charisma. Feeling overlooked by Angelo, Taylor embarks on an affair with his suspect Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin). Stephenson remarked that this storyline explores intricate themes of love and betrayal amidst a murder investigation.

While in Summer Bay, Taylor provides support during Angelo’s homicide inquiry but grows emotionally distant as Angelo becomes consumed by his work. She forms a friendship with Colby, who offers solace during this stressful time. After Angelo cancels plans related to a new lead in the case, Taylor visits Colby; their interaction leads to a kiss and eventually an affair while Angelo is away pursuing the investigation. As word spreads among residents about their relationship, Taylor attempts to end the affair amid escalating complications.

Christian Green

Christian Green, brought to life by Ditch Davey, made his first appearance on 16 September 2020. The announcement regarding both the character and casting was made public on 19 June 2020. Davey expressed that taking on this role felt like a fortunate opportunity amid difficult circumstances. Christian is introduced as a neurosurgeon enlisted to assist with a medical emergency at Northern Districts Hospital, specifically consulting on Justin Morgan’s spinal tumour diagnosis. Initially, Christian’s demeanor is marked by arrogance, leading to tension within the hospital environment, yet he also reveals a more compassionate and witty nature. His storyline includes a romantic involvement with fellow physician Tori Morgan. In September 2021, the actors portraying both characters exited the show as their roles culminated in marriage and relocation to London.

Kieran Baldivis

Kieran Baldivis, portrayed by Rick Donald, debuted on 26 November 2020. Donald’s casting was confirmed through promotional content and marked his return to the series following a guest appearance in 2011. Kieran is introduced as the estranged and troubled son of Martha Stewart, grappling with mental health issues and substance dependency. Donald emphasized the complexity of Kieran’s character and his path toward recovery.

Arriving in Summer Bay with intentions to reconcile with Martha, Kieran’s presence stirs unrest within her family circle. He finds work at the local gym while struggling to mend fractured relationships amid battles with alcoholism and anger management. After a series of incidents, including abducting Martha during a relapse episode, Kieran faces arrest.

Once released under a good behaviour bond, Kieran returns sober, determined to rebuild family ties while attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and securing a sponsor. Despite Alf Stewart's initial opposition, Roo Stewart supports Kieran’s efforts for change. Although earning trust remains difficult for Kieran, he receives encouragement from Jasmine Delaney and Irene Roberts.

Conflict heightens when Kieran’s unintended actions trigger a seizure in Jasmine, prompting him to temporarily move out. Martha invites him to join her in Merimbula, arranging employment for him at a bakery. Before departing Summer Bay, Kieran reconciles with Alf, who offers a handshake as a tentative gesture of acceptance.

Lewis Hayes

Lewis Hayes, played by Luke Arnold, first appeared on 30 November 2020. Arnold’s casting was announced in early November 2020, introducing Lewis as an agency nurse and nursing unit manager. Arnold characterized Lewis as someone driven by revenge and as a romantic interest for Jasmine Delaney, portrayed by Sam Frost. Both characters serve as nurses, and Arnold consulted practicing nurses to authentically represent Lewis's profession. His backstory includes a previous relationship with Jasmine and the death of his partner Anna, which fuels his vendetta against surgeon Christian Green (Ditch Davey), whom he holds responsible for Anna's passing.

Lewis arrives in Summer Bay working at Graydon Prison's infirmary and reconnects with Jasmine while pursuing a relationship despite her recent widowhood. Quickly becoming part of the community, he secures the role of nursing unit manager at the hospital. Professionally, Lewis focuses on monitoring Christian Green due to suspicions of medical negligence related to Anna’s death. This mistrust escalates workplace tensions, leading Lewis to undermine Christian and initiate investigations into patient fatalities.

His vendetta intensifies as Lewis attempts to accuse Christian of causing patient deaths, including endangering patient Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams). These actions result in Christian’s suspension but he is later reinstated after investigations clear him of wrongdoing. Personal conflicts deepen when Lewis files assault allegations and confronts Christian physically. Jasmine challenges Lewis’s motivations and encourages him to seek counselling.

The climax occurs when Lewis takes Christian hostage, demanding a confession regarding Anna’s death. After administering what he believes is a fatal injection, Lewis assumes Christian is dead; however, Christian survives. Faced with Jasmine’s condemnation and his own remorse, Lewis surrenders to authorities and pleads guilty to multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. This narrative explores themes of revenge-fueled misconduct within healthcare settings alongside its effects on professional ethics and personal relationships.

Others

  |   Jess   |   Kara Sheehan   |   Purchases a beer for Dean Thompson.

Date(s)	Role	Performer	Context
27 January	Hostage Taker #3	Emanuele Battaglia	Members of the Ouroboros gang who detain hostages in the hospital emergency area. One inspects the stairwell and discovers a phone playing a pre-recorded message before Dean Thompson incapacitates and disarms him.
	Hostage Taker #4	Rik-Mei Karena
27 January–	Ambulance Officer/ Paramedic Charlie	Kathryn Schuback	Responsible for transporting injured individuals to Northern Districts Hospital, including Robbo, Colby Thorne, Ben Astoni, and John Palmer. Initially credited as Ambulance Officer, later as Paramedic Charlie.
27 January–	Freya Bozic	Francisca Braithwaite	Nurse at Northern Districts Hospital providing care and monitoring for key characters such as Robbo, Colby Thorne, and Christian Green. Also participates in social interactions with colleagues.
3 February	AFP Chaplain	Winston Cooper	Officiates at Robbo's funeral service.
	Terence Salisbury	Howard Stone	Father of Lance Salisbury, attends Robbo's funeral, shares background information.
5 February	Journalist	Deborah An	Conducts an interview with Marilyn Chambers regarding Ari Parata's heroic actions during the hospital siege.
11–19 February	Patricia Hendersen	Sharni McDermott	Counsellor assisting Bella Nixon with her overdose recovery and trust issues; suggests alternative therapy but continues sessions at the request of Colby Thorne.
18–19 February	Jason	James Biasetto	Ex-boyfriend of Mackenzie Booth, confronts her about stolen funds; attempts extortion but is warned by Constable Colby Thorne about legal repercussions before departing.
26–27 February	Douglas	Adam Booth	Takes Leah Patterson hostage, subjects her to abuse, demands she impersonate his deceased wife; arrested after stabbing Colby Thorne; pleads guilty and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
27 April	Danny	Bryden White-Tuohey	Challenges Nikau Parata and Bella Nixon to pool matches; loses wagers but departs after being outplayed.
	Gavin	Steve Carroll	Diner patron who complains about service; interaction with Leah Patterson ends abruptly.
28 April	Ingrid Stone	Amy Kersey	Victims Services officer assisting Leah Patterson with preparing an impact statement concerning abuse by Douglas Maynard.
30 April	Steve	Cramer Cain	Employee at Bridge Farm Equine Centre; introduces therapy horses to main characters; exhibits suspicious behavior towards Bella Nixon.
30 April	Annabelle	Monique Riley	Woman discovered sleeping in #Tane Parata's bed, roused by his phone call.
6 May 2020, 15 July 2021	Ultra Sound Technician	Elizabeth McLean	Performs ultrasound scans for Jasmine Delaney and later for Mia Anderson, confirming pregnancy details.
7 May	Cindy	Sarah Halloran	Woman who spends the night with #Tane Parata, leaves prior to others arriving.
24 June	Melissa	Kelly Zacharias	Recognizes Jasmine Delaney on a parenting forum; spends time with Jasmine's stepdaughter Grace Morgan; agrees to keep Jasmine's identity confidential.
	Baby Tyler	Aurora Williams	Son of Melissa.
8 July	Anna Davies	Lou Pollard	Passport control officer who identifies security concerns for the Parata family, advises them to seek legal counsel due to passport restrictions.
11 August–	Sergeant Cooper	John Atkinson	Police sergeant managing cases involving the discovery of Bella Nixon's father's body and arrest warrants for Kieran Baldivis.
13 August	Counsellor Peta	Beth Champion	Counsellor aiding Jasmine Delaney with attachment difficulties related to her stepdaughter and grieving her late husband Robbo.
20 August	Dale the Camp Manager	Bryce Youngman	Oversees campsite visited by the Parata family; provides information on local attractions and recent visitors.
24 August 2020 – 22 February 2022	Jai Simmons	River Jarvis	Child of Amber Simmons and Dean Thompson; storyline involves bonding with Dean, custody disputes, schooling, and family dynamics including Amber's mother Francesca Simmons.
26 August	Ambulance Officer #2	Jennine Kelly	Responds alongside colleague Ambo Ken to treat injured Justin Morgan after hydrofluoric acid exposure.
16 September 2020 – 11 March 2021	Leon	Will McNeill	Criminal associate threatening Tane Parata over debts; involved in blackmail, violent acts, coercion through armed robbery; ultimately apprehended following conflict with Dean Thompson’s River Boys gang.
24 September 2020, 11 August 2021	Dr Stevens	Wadih Dona	Anaesthesiologist participating in surgeries for Justin Morgan and later monitoring Nikau Parata after a brain hemorrhage; credited on-screen as Dr Kevin Stephens.
13–22 October	Francesca Simmons	Joanne Hunt	Mother of Amber Simmons; critical of Dean Thompson’s influence on grandson Jai; involved in custody disputes and familial conflicts impacting Dean’s relationship with Amber and Jai.
2 November 2020 – 17 March 2021	Paul	Jack Finsterer	Debt collector enforcing repayment from Tane Parata via intimidation and blackmail; orchestrates coercion through armed robbery; involved in kidnapping family members; ultimately beaten by Tane and hospitalized where police intervene.
16–17 November	Katherine	Neveen Hanna	Defense attorney representing Colby Thorne during murder trial; advises against giving testimony as Colby changes plea to guilty.
	Judge	Tracy Mann	Oversees Colby Thorne’s trial, sentences him to a 25-year prison term following guilty plea.
	Michael Finau	Ray Chong Nee	Prosecutor presenting key evidence against Colby Thorne during trial proceedings.
16 November	Bailiff	Peter Cook	Maintains courtroom order throughout Colby Thorne’s trial.
25 November 2020– 3 March 2022   |   "Officer Martinez"   |   Shameer Birges   |   Graydon Prison officer interacting with Colby Thorne and other inmates; manages visitation sessions, escorts prisoners to medical appointments, enforces security measures.
26 November   |   Tammy   |   Bernie Van Tiel   |   Provides assistance to Dean Thompson following a fight in Mangrove River; offers shelter which he declines.
	26 November 2020, 10 February 2021	"River Boy Ray"	Travis McCurry	Member of River Boy gang engaging with Dean Thompson; involved in territorial disputes and social interactions.
30 November 2020– 11 February 2021	Joe	Shaun Anthony Robinson	Inmate at Graydon Prison who confronts Colby Thorne regarding his identity as a police officer leading to violent encounters culminating in Joe's fatal stabbing by Colby.

External links

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