Claire Bedford

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart made her initial appearance between 25 January and 13 February 1989, with Alison Mulvaney portraying the character. She was introduced through flashbacks as Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) first spouse. The character returned to the series on 27 March 2018, recast with Belinda Giblin, who had previously appeared on the show in 1991. Meagher recommended Giblin for the part, describing her as an ideal fit. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the program’s 30th anniversary celebration, Martha was unveiled as alive despite being presumed drowned back in 1985. Alf reveals to their daughter Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) that Martha left due to dissatisfaction rather than death. Eventually, Martha comes back to Summer Bay and reconnects with both Alf and Roo. She discloses her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), which contributed to her prolonged absence and anxiety issues.

Martha was Alf’s wife and mother to their daughter Ruth "Roo" Stewart. Her original storyline included flashbacks and diary excerpts that exposed her awareness of Bobby Simpson's true parentage. Upon returning after many years, Martha faces challenges rebuilding relationships because of her mental health struggles but pursues treatment and attempts reconciliation.

Alf and Martha renew their relationship, with Alf proposing marriage once more following a period of renewed intimacy. Martha owns a home and studio in Merimbula, which acts as a sanctuary for managing her BPD, occasionally causing friction with Alf. They remarry and divide their time between Merimbula and Summer Bay.

Martha later reveals she has a son named Kieran Baldivis, whom she kept hidden out of fear of losing Alf and Roo. Kieran eventually arrives in Summer Bay, adding complexity to family interactions. Martha primarily resides in Merimbula while Alf visits regularly.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, first appeared on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the series as headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week labeled Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Though initially hesitant to portray an unpopular character, Coburn eventually enjoyed the role. She appeared semi-regularly until filming her final scenes in June 1990, appreciating the steady work and learning opportunities. She notably enjoyed shooting a fight scene with Dannii Minogue shortly before leaving.

Vicki serves as an antagonist within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, notorious for bullying classmates including Carly Morris, Viv Newton, and Emma Jackson. She falsely accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of inappropriate behavior, resulting in his suspension until Emma compels her to admit the truth. Subsequently, Vicki frames Emma for stealing exam papers, which leads to Emma’s expulsion. Steven Matheson and Paul Jensen team up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover Vicki’s deceptions, ultimately leading to Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, debuted on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher. During her time in Summer Bay, she becomes romantically involved with Steven Matheson. Producers appreciated the chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated occasional returns for Rebecca. The role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period in 1994 before Belinda Emmett assumed the role in 1996. Emmett 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, brought to life by Emily Symons, made her first appearance on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but reprised the role from 1995 until 1999. Dannii Minogue initially tried out for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, with Symons ultimately securing Marilyn’s character. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn was characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart entered the storyline 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, debuted on 28 June 1989. Prior to this, Stevenson had a role on rival soap Neighbours playing petty criminal Skinner. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role and exited the show in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout," preferring relaxation over responsibility, which contrasted with his own more conscientious personality. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and considered resuming the role full-time after enjoying the experience.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, first appeared on 5 July 1989 and left on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after Justine Clarke's departure from the series. In an interview, she mentioned her preference for staying active on set, often causing crew members to search for her when she was not where anticipated.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, enacted by Dannii Minogue, made her debut on 22 September 1989 and exited on 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for the part of Marilyn Chambers but was instead cast as Emma. She left after one year to focus on her music career. Despite rumors about a return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, Minogue did not appear. She received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Award and was recognized by Holy Soap as one of Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Celia Stewart’s late fiancé appearing in flashbacks set in 1970; their engagement celebration ends tragically when Les is killed during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Engaged to Stacey Macklin upon arrival, Nicholas conspires with her father to acquire the caravan park. He frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters and assaults Stacey before being stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Younger sister of Alison Patterson attending Summer Bay Primary School; discovers Morag Bellingham’s memoir manuscript and debates Sally Fletcher about local folklore.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades who separates from her following revelation of a family secret; warns Roo Stewart to keep away from Morag.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag’s link to Bobby Simpson; manipulates locals and persuades Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Dates Martin Dibble who struggles with her illiteracy and confrontations involving her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe; eventually leaves town with Meat Axe, ending relationship with Martin.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who takes part in community meetings addressing shark threats.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Mother of Martin Dibble appearing during family dinner intended to discourage Martin’s engagement to Leanne Dunn.
8 March	Scott Dibble / Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Brothers of Martin Dibble present at family gathering along with parents.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who returns as her aide and mediator; declines romantic advances from Celia Stewart and resigns seeking independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about Donald’s son’s novel; questions Bobby regarding Morag’s maternal revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Aggressive ex-boyfriend of Leanne Dunn who fights Martin Dibble before leaving town with Leanne.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker stealing from locals and causing arson leading to Philip Matheson’s death; fostered by Fletchers, manipulates Steven Matheson, bullies Sally Fletcher, arrested for murder; paroled in 1995, commits further crimes including murder and framing Steven, resulting in fatal confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson by Steven Matheson but later sends Roo repayment letter before departing town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father seeking reconciliation with Andrew Foley before passing away, leaving inheritance and apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official who places Dodge Forbes with Fletchers; investigates abuse allegations against John Newton resulting in supervision orders and temporary custody changes.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s claim following store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor in Macklin development initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign contracts.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletchers.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer working for Macklin corporation involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart’s mediation; assists rescue attempt for Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational coach temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart amid family issues.
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; later relocates to Los Angeles promoting group, invites Stacey to join.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman supporting Viv Newton during her time living on streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes about stolen car incident blamed on Steven Matheson.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; mistreatment leads to custody battles, supervision orders, eventual relinquishment after court involvement.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton used against Viv by their father; escapes abuse to reunite with Viv and mother Angela Newton for fresh start in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; hires Matt as beach inspector, closes Andrew Foley's advice centre before resigning due to health concerns.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley's Youth Advice Centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody; invites Sally to live with him but she chooses Fletchers instead.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating and Sally's aunt; unable to have children, welcomes Sally but respects her decision to remain with Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell following false molestation claims by Vicki; Grant reinstated after truth revealed.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of man imprisoned by Morag Bellingham; seeks revenge through threatening calls and hostage situation but persuaded by Bobby Simpson to flee.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in various investigations including arrests; promoted sergeant but suspended after accident causing Shane Parrish's death.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for "Summer Bay Bunyip"; leaves after discovering it was a hoax involving Martin Dibble disguised in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her due to family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy woman who books Adam Cameron for charter cruise but abandons him on remote island under false pretenses regarding companions.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart over competing offer from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife appearing during council disputes involving closure of Matt Wilson’s hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor searching for Fletcher family believed connected to his father; irritates locals before being killed by shark prompting community efforts including shark capture attempts.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley whose drug addiction causes conflict with Stacey Macklin before leaving town following property damage.
31 October	Chas, pool player friend of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble warning them about Mick's hustling skills at pool games.
17 November	Rosemary White	Zoe Bertram	Sister of Rory Heywood revealing his true identity after his death.
21 November 1989–22 January 1990	Zac Burgess (shark hunter)	Mark Conroy	Arrives demanding payment for capturing shark responsible for Rory Heywood’s death; attempts manipulation involving Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher but exposed and leaves town after confrontation with Tom Fletcher.
12 December	Drew Howard (producer)	Ignatius Jones	Producer collaborating with Marilyn Chambers on game show; attempts embarrassment tactics against Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but is outsmarted by Marilyn.

External links

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