Clint Mailer

Home and Away
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Area served	Australia
Key people	Cameron Welsh (executive producer)
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation details characters introduced throughout 2009, listed according to their debut dates, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The series' 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Initial additions in January included Gina and Hugo Austin. February's new characters were Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. March introduced Liam Murphy and John Palmer. In April, Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner joined the cast. June saw the arrival of May Stone, while July featured the birth of Harry Holden alongside the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. August brought Detective Robert Robertson, with September introducing Romeo Smith.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, portrayed by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and exited the series on 18 April 2013. The official website describes Gina as a devoted mother who, despite facing difficulties with her sons, demonstrates unwavering strength. She is depicted as warm-hearted and grounded, consistently placing her family's needs above her own ambitions. Todd emphasizes Gina's role as a mother to three boys as central to her character’s identity.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, played by Bernard Curry, debuted on 27 January 2009, left on 26 January 2010, returned on 6 May 2010, and departed again on 9 June 2010. Curry, known previously for his work on Neighbours, praised his time on Home & Away as both enjoyable and demanding. Hugo is portrayed as an active outdoorsman with a fit build and sun-kissed complexion.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, first appeared on 1 February 2009. Robbo was employed aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, frequently provoking them, particularly targeting Joey due to her sexual orientation. After pushing Joey into the water and persisting with harassment, he sexually assaulted her and threatened her into silence. Joey ultimately reported the assault, resulting in legal action. Although Robbo denied the accusations and his ex-girlfriend Tanya Gannon—who was injured during these events—attempted to intervene, Robbo assaulted Joey once more before being stopped and arrested. He was charged and did not return to the show.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, portrayed by Luke Bracey, appeared for the first time on 9 February 2009. Characterized as having "the face of an angel" but engaging in "devilish behaviour," Trey’s introduction generated significant viewer interest, creating tension especially with characters such as Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin. A major plot involved Trey recording a sex tape with Nicole that was subsequently leaked—an incident paralleling a real-life controversy involving Lincoln Lewis.

Trey arrives at Summer Bay school as a disruptive student who bullies peers including Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) and frequently clashes with faculty members. He develops animosity toward Geoff Campbell and harbors resentment toward his stepfather, John Palmer. Despite his antagonistic behavior, Trey begins to improve under Kirsty's influence but faces rejection that leads to further conflict, culminating in charges against Miles Copeland being dismissed.

Later storylines see Trey growing closer to Nicole Franklin; they become romantically involved and engage in sexual activity that produces the contentious sex tape. Feeling betrayed, Trey leaks the tape to humiliate Nicole. His anger escalates when he takes control of a school bus during an excursion, revealing he planted an explosive device underneath it. While many students manage to escape unharmed, Hugo Austin sustains serious injuries. Trey is subsequently apprehended for attempted murder.

Freya Duric

Freya Duric, brought to life by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.

In 2009, Home and Away featured two lesbian plotlines, one of which involved Freya sharing a kiss with Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), leading to viewer complaints. James described their relationship as Freya representing Nicole’s former rebellious side, which creates a spark between them. Nicole initially feels "angry" after discovering she is on Freya’s "not hot list," prompting Freya to kiss her as a challenge. Although Nicole does not enjoy the kiss, it reignites her craving for attention and self-reflection.

Freya arrives intent on rekindling a romance with Xavier Austin but encounters opposition due to his relationship with Ruby Buckton. Despite Gina’s warnings, she persistently tries to seduce Xavier. Freya causes disturbances locally and becomes involved in drug dealing, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After clashing with Nicole, she kisses her openly to demonstrate she is not dull, which irritates Geoff, who accuses her of manipulation. Freya also kisses Xavier’s brother Hugo without realizing Xavier is watching. Following these events and the resulting fallout, she departs from the area swiftly.

Joey Collins

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

The character of Joey was introduced to develop a lesbian romance with Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) as part of efforts to increase viewership. Over a span of five weeks, their friendship gradually turns romantic, including intimate scenes. Executive producer Cameron Welsh acknowledged Joey’s popularity and hinted at the possibility of her return.

Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who harasses her and eventually assaults her while threatening silence. She confides in Aden and Belle Taylor, who support her decision to report the incident. Despite disbelief from her brother Brett and Robbo’s attempts to intimidate her—including an attempted drowning—Robbo is arrested after Charlie intervenes to save Joey. Following this, Charlie and Joey begin a secret relationship but face homophobic reactions from the community.

As Charlie grapples with her sexual identity and professional challenges, Joey finds sustaining the relationship difficult and ultimately leaves for another job after an emotional goodbye.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, enacted by Axle Whitehead, first appeared on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and television presenter, secured the role through an audition and was initially contracted for fifteen episodes. He described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and drew upon his own experiences with substance use to add authenticity to the character.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, played by Kain O'Keeffe, debuted on 25 March 2009. Having previously worked alongside other cast members, O'Keeffe was cast as Brendan following the introduction of his family. Brendan's autism spectrum diagnosis introduces tension among his brothers, Xavier and Hugo.

Arriving in Summer Bay with his mother Gina, Brendan's storyline highlights family dynamics affected by his disability. Xavier had been his primary caregiver previously, creating sibling rivalry. Brendan faces social difficulties that are addressed when Ruby Buckton encourages him toward greater social interaction. Under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan runs away several times, including an incident causing a car crash injuring Roman Harris, who later decides against pressing charges after learning about Brendan’s condition.

The narrative delves into Brendan’s trauma related to a previous car accident involving a blue vehicle, explaining his fear of blue cars. He later introduces Ruby Leeds, his girlfriend who has Down syndrome, signaling growth in his independence. After heroically saving Xavier from drowning despite his own limitations, Brendan receives family support to move into sheltered accommodation and attend a specialized learning center. Though he moves away to live with Ruby, he returns briefly for a family occasion. Following Gina Austin’s death in 2013, it was mentioned that Brendan was too distressed to attend her funeral.

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, who previously featured in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. The character is portrayed as a "strict father figure" and an active participant in the surf lifesaving community.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, enacted by Alexandra Park, was introduced on 10 April 2009. She embarks on a romantic relationship with Geoff Campbell and later reveals she is expecting a child. Their storyline includes a pivotal moment where they share intimacy and become trapped in a caravan fire, highlighting Geoff's internal struggle with guilt due to his religious beliefs.

Series producer Cameron Welsh described Claudia’s pregnancy plot as intricate, noting that she deceives others about the identity of the father, which intensifies dramatic tension and boosts viewer interest. Initially, Claudia denies that her ex-partner Lachie is the father but later confesses the truth following Lachie's injury caused by Geoff.

The conflict between Geoff and Lachie escalates into violence, with Lachie assaulting Claudia. She then chooses to raise the baby on her own. Claudia eventually departs Summer Bay to join her cousin in Dubbo, concluding her storyline and influencing the broader narrative.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, portrayed by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond's former boyfriend (Alexandra Park), involved in an on-again, off-again relationship lasting six months. When Lachie returns unexpectedly to win Claudia back after she develops feelings for Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis), he later agrees to respect her wishes and leave her be. Claudia announces her pregnancy, initially denying Lachie’s paternity, which creates friction with Geoff. Following a rugby match altercation that lands Lachie in hospital, Claudia admits he is the father. Although Lachie hopes to establish a family, Claudia rejects him and permanently leaves Summer Bay.

The Daily Record remarked that Geoff’s frustration over misfortune was vented through his conflict with Lachie.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, played by Jeremy Sims, appeared between 13 May and 10 June 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald praised Sims for delivering a convincing and "genuinely unsettling" portrayal, quickly establishing Gardy as a villainous presence. The Daily Record labeled him a "baddie" despite his charismatic demeanor.

Gardy invades the home of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), who is blind due to military service, causing distress to Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). After a violent confrontation involving local residents, Gardy attempts dangerous maneuvers aimed at helping Roman regain his sight but ultimately coerces him into criminal acts, including robbing a liquor store that leads to an elderly woman suffering a heart attack.

When Nicole rejects Gardy's advances, he threatens to implicate Roman in the robbery. Gardy then escalates his criminal behavior by breaking into the Palmer residence and taking hostages Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips). It becomes clear that Gardy is blackmailing Roman over an incident from wartime. During a planned heist at a warehouse, Gardy shoots Roman and holds several workers captive. A confrontation involving Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) and Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) follows. Ultimately, Roman manages to incapacitate Gardy with a gunshot to the leg before law enforcement arrives. Despite his injuries, Gardy flees into nearby creek waters and vanishes from Summer Bay.

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 soon begins a relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, mentioned that although Charlie did not intend to cause May pain, the secret affair inevitably led to conflict. The Daily Record emphasized Angelo's lack of sensitivity and May's emotional turmoil following their breakup.

May quickly adapts to her teaching duties and life in the community, developing a romance with Angelo. However, Angelo’s lingering feelings for Charlie result in a covert relationship. When May becomes serious about their future, Angelo and Charlie decide to come clean. Upon learning of the betrayal, May opts to leave Summer Bay immediately and resigns from her teaching position.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden, was introduced on 30 July 2009. After his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty bonding with him and struggles to manage his incessant crying, even having thoughts of harming him before seeking assistance. Tensions arise when Jane Avent mistakenly accuses Rachel of causing her stillbirth and abducts Harry, leading to a police search. Harry is safely returned to his parents once Jane’s actions are uncovered. In August 2010, Harry moves with his family to Boston, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before departing.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, portrayed by Robert Mammone, first appeared on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to strong audience approval, Sid, along with Indigo and Dexter, returned as permanent characters in June 2010.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, originally played by Tom Green, debuted on 30 July 2009. In 2010, the role was recast with Charles Cottier when Dexter was reintroduced. Cottier highlighted the character’s development and differentiated his interpretation from Green’s portrayal. A significant plotline involved Dexter’s romantic involvement with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier found challenging because of their considerable age gap.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, enacted by Samara Weaving, also made her debut on 30 July 2009. The Walker family—Sid, Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), Dexter, and Indigo—was introduced as a new family unit on Home and Away. They departed the series in September 2009 but returned in June 2010. Weaving noted that managing the return was easier alongside her other professional commitments.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, brought to life by Socratis Otto, first appeared on 2 August 2009. Conceived by James Walker for a murder-related plotline, Robertson was intended to inject humor into a show not centered around intense police drama. Walker characterized him as a versatile figure with distinctive wit, adept at deception to uncover truth, enabling him to interact widely during investigations. Otto drew upon his comedic skills for the role and regarded it as one of his finest performances. The Daily Record described Robertson as "ruthless," noting concerns voiced by characters such as Alf Stewart.

Robertson serves as a detective investigating the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) biological father. His initial suspicion falls on Ruby's mother, Charlie; however, he later discovers that Charlie’s father Ross is responsible. Despite his quirky storytelling style and eccentricity, Robertson proves effective in his duties. He pursues a relationship with Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), but she declines his advances.

Returning to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), Robertson teams up with Detective Graves and identifies Alf as the main suspect. After several arrests lacking concrete evidence, he pressures Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into accusing Alf. Although Alf is detained, Morag Bellingham challenges the case against him by revealing Will's dishonesty, leading to Alf’s release and Will being charged instead. Feeling undermined by these events, Robertson confides in Leah about losing his sense of self; she comforts him by reminding him that errors are part of being human. When offered a promotion, he invites Leah and her son to join him in relocating to the city, but she declines.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, brought to life by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed this role after moving to Sydney without employment. Romeo is depicted as charming, mischievous, humorous, and courteous. His family on screen comprises his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). Following his relationship with Annie Campbell, Romeo becomes romantically involved with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Others

23–28 April 1–2 June 13 June–13 July 14 July–18 August 14 July–18 August 14 July–26 January 2010 20–21 July 23 July–18 August 29 July-27 November 30 July–17 August 2011 20 August 24 August–8 July 2010 ' Sophia McLeod ' Madeline Andrews ' Andy’s daughter diagnosed by Rachel with hearing difficulties. 1–16 September ' Grant Bledcoe ' Clayton Watson ' Ruby’s biological father accused of rape and later found murdered, prompting a prolonged investigation involving Charlie Buckton’s family. 8 September ' Tracey Bledcoe ' Mary Anne Byrne ' Supportive wife facing accusations against her husband Grant. 15 September–1 March 2012 ' Patrick Avery ' Clayton Williams ' Constable appearing intermittently, involved in significant cases including bailing Sid Walker. 18–22 September ' Ruby Leeds ' Tracie Sammmut ' Brendan’s girlfriend advocating for his independence. 18 September ' Pheobe ' Alisha Burton ' Brief acquaintance of Jai Fernandez. 30 September ' Jim ' Mark Richardson ' Hotel manager appearing briefly. 1 October–27 January 2010 ' Bambang Rahardjo ' Joft Prastowo ' Wayan’s son assisting Martha MacKenzie on the farm and used as bait during human trafficking investigations. 3 October–26 January 2010 ' Suzy Sudiro ' Tasneem Roc ' Hugo Austin’s ex-wife involved in smuggling operations; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom before being subdued. ' Riley Radcliffe ' Tani Edgecombe ' School bully targeting VJ Patterson; injuries lead to police uncovering family abuse. ' Ian Radcliffe ' Ben Simpson ' Riley’s father responsible for assault injuries and attempts bribery before truth emerges. 9–24 November ' Poppie Merrin ' Elouise Blair ' Manipulates Liam Murphy into drug possession causing relationship issues with Nicole Franklin. 17–24 November ' Reg Merrin ' Dane Carson ' Sands manager who hires then fires Aden Jefferies following misunderstandings related to his daughter Catie. 18–24 November ' Catie Merrin ' Tess Haubrich ' Reg’s daughter who pressures Aden into dating her, leading to conflict at the formal and Aden’s dismissal. 19–23 November ' Orson Cardillo ' Mark Lee (Australian actor) ' Donna DeBono’s gardener implicated in framing incident resulting in hospitalization under suspicious circumstances. 20 November ' Bonita Cardillo ' Suzi Dougherty ' Orson’s wife defending his innocence amid accusations linked to gun planting incident. 25 November–18 February 2010 ' Hazem Kassir ' Ben Knight (actor) ' Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; suffers racially motivated attack causing paralysis and eventual relocation ending the relationship. 26 November ' Prison Guard ' Joe Tarena ' On duty during Derrick Quaid’s escape from custody.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
30 January	Bank manager	Christopher Saunders	Detects unauthorized attempt by Bridget Simmons to access Leah Patterson-Baker's bank account.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden on a boat; participates in illicit abalone trading; tries to incriminate Aden; provides information about Hugo.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police officer conducting a short investigation 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 is mistakenly detained but later exonerated.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless protector of Melody Jones; informs Miles Copeland of her location.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Assaults Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines interview to shield her aged care facility; convinced by Melody to participate.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Melody Jones's grandmother; passes away following a stroke.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participates in speed dating; briefly connects with Leah before she chooses Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Joey Collins's brother; struggles with her sexual identity; eventually reconciles after family challenges.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Shipwreck survivor involved in human smuggling with Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; apprehended after violent incidents.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Employs Belle at the newspaper; engages in an affair with Paula Gill, causing workplace friction.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Robert Cruze’s former partner who files a complaint against him; suffers a hit-and-run shortly after arrival.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Belle’s colleague involved in an affair with Jerry Thibault; bullies Belle over addiction problems.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged spouse of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene in Lou's death.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Liam Murphy’s wife who divorces him due to drug issues; moves to Paris with their son Ash.
' Ash Murphy	' Dusty Piper	' Son of Liam and Chelsea Murphy.
' Jenena Palmer	' Anna Lise Phillips	' Trey’s mother and John’s wife.
' Clint Mailer	' Matt Zeremes	' Rugby coach pressuring Aden Jefferies to undermine Geoff Campbell’s career.
' Jane Avent	' Felicity Price	' Mother grieving a stillbirth who blames Rachel Armstrong and escalates to abducting Rachel’s son.
' Rex Avent	' Sandy Winton	' Supports Jane through her grief and actions.
' Wayan Rahardjo	' Dorje Swallow	' Hospital patient who does not speak English, linked to Hugo Austin’s illegal dealings.
' Paul	' Thomas Norrie	' Minor role as an extra.
' Squirt	' Ben Davy-Thorburn	' Friend and coworker of Aden Jefferies.
' Marine Officer Bryant	' Michael Sutherland	' Water police officer investigating human trafficking alongside Angelo Rosetta.
' Jody Walker	' Victoria Haralabidou	' Sid Walker’s wife who attempts reconciliation but departs following infidelity.
' Michelle	' Michelle Pettigrove	' Charlie Buckton’s aunt who reveals Ruby Buckton’s maternity secret.
' Therese	' Rose Ashton	' Nurse involved in a brief affair with Sid Walker, creating workplace tension.
' Andy McLeod	' Paul Winchester	' Provides parenting advice to Rachel; friendship causes marital strain.

External links