Danika Kulevski

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television, Entertainment
Founded	1988
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that has been airing on the Seven Network since 1988. This section details the characters introduced throughout 2016, all of whom were brought into the series under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 29th season premiered on 1 February 2016. The character Dylan Carter made his first appearance in February. 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 Morgan—joined the cast in June. July saw the arrival of Tabitha Ford, while September featured the debut of siblings Hope Morrison and Raffy Morrison. In November, Jeannie Woods was added to the storyline, and December introduced Justin's daughter, Ava Gilbert.

Dylan Carter

Dylan Carter, played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, was first seen on-screen on 1 February 2016. His casting was revealed in August 2015. Dylan serves as a detective collaborating with Katarina Chapman (Pia Miller) during the murder inquiry into Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz). Jeremy Lindsay Taylor characterized Dylan as a multifaceted individual with connections to Summer Bay. The actor returned to portray Dylan in 2017 and made subsequent guest appearances, including involvement in a plot featuring amnesiac Robbo (Jake Ryan) as well as a storyline in 2019.

Dylan spearheaded the inquiry into Charlotte King's death, working alongside Kat despite their complicated history. Their investigation involved interrogating principal suspects such as Martin Ashford (George Mason), Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen), and Hunter King (Scott Lee). Dylan's forceful tactics caused friction, particularly with Kat and Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin). He formally charged Zac with murder based on gathered evidence; however, Zac was subsequently freed after his attorney Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) exposed judicial improprieties linked to Dylan.

Kat uncovered Dylan's misconduct, leading to his suspension from duty. Following escalating confrontations—including an incident where Dylan took Kat, Ash, and Billie hostage—he was apprehended by authorities. In the year after, evidence connected him to an abandoned vessel tied to Robbo’s memory loss case. Further developments revealed Dylan survived a violent clash with Robbo and played a role in Robbo’s abduction.

Dylan’s narrative arc concluded with his detention alongside members of the Ouroboros syndicate by the Australian Federal Police. Several weeks later, Robbo discovered 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 afterward. She wrapped up her role in November 2016. Jade characterized Isla as "somewhat mischievous − a bit of a rebel" with a troubled history but fundamentally good intentions.

Isla comes to Summer Bay harboring "ill motives" and swiftly becomes entangled with Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). She discloses that she is employed by Dave Rogers, a man to whom Kyle has a gambling debt. When Kyle refuses repayment, both are abducted and forced to dig their own graves, though they manage to escape. Isla remains close to Kyle, and a romantic connection blossoms between them.

Her ex-partner, Harry Kingswood (Wayne Bradley), arrives with their daughters for a visit, sparking conflict when Isla takes the children without consent. After Kyle discovers Isla working in a brothel, he convinces her to return the girls to Harry.

When Harry plans to relocate interstate, Isla attempts an armed robbery at the Reefton Lakes golf club using a gun she acquired. Kyle intervenes and persuades her to flee just as law enforcement arrives. Kyle is apprehended and charged with armed robbery but refuses to implicate Isla, hoping she can build a better life with her daughters. Isla intends to turn herself in; however, Kyle surrenders himself, accepting responsibility for the offense.

Prior to departing, Isla visits Ricky Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen) and learns that Kyle has been sentenced to thirteen years in prison. She pledges to honor his sacrifice, describing Kyle as the finest man she has ever known.

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. Despite initial hesitation, Flood embraced the role, calling Lindsay "very cool" and enjoyed her guest stint.

Lindsay tries reaching out to Hunter King (Scott Lee), who ignores her attempts. She visits the caravan park, introduces herself to Hunter’s girlfriend Olivia (Raechelle Banno), and reveals she was the one who picked Hunter up after he left Summer Bay. Lindsay states she intends to stay temporarily but denies any desire to disrupt Hunter and Olivia’s relationship. Later, however, she confesses to Olivia that she shared a kiss with Hunter. Lindsay’s interference leads Olivia to end things with Hunter. She further stirs trouble by paying Drew Panton (Govinda Roser-Finch) to flirt with Olivia for a photograph, causing another breakup. Lindsay’s conduct escalates when she steals Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) ute; Hunter is injured trying to stop her. After fleeing, Olivia warns Lindsay to leave town or face legal consequences.

Mick Jennings

Mick Jennings, played by Kristian Schmid, first appeared on 5 May 2016 as the estranged son of established character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Irene had previously disclosed that she was raped at age 14 and gave birth at 15 before placing the child for adoption. Mick was later revealed as the individual who assaulted Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), initiating a dark and sensitive storyline.

Mick arrives under deceptive pretenses, claiming to be Chris Harrington’s uncle. He kidnaps Irene in an attempt to force a reunion; however, she escapes and Mick is taken into custody. DNA testing confirms their biological connection. After release from a psychiatric facility, Mick tries reaching out to Irene but is rejected due to his past offenses. He kidnaps Billie’s newborn daughter Luc Patterson, escalating tensions before ultimately surrendering to authorities.

Several months later, Mick applies for parole but encounters hostility from Billie’s brother Martin Ashford (George Mason). Despite Irene withholding support, Mick is granted parole and moves into a halfway house before settling back in Summer Bay. His presence causes friction when Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi) invites him into her home; upon learning his history, her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) expels him.

Irene arranges employment for Mick at a mining site in Western Australia; initially he declines the offer. Following further incidents involving custody disputes over Luc and threats from Martin Ashford, Mick eventually accepts the job opportunity with Irene’s encouragement. Months later, after a mining accident occurs, Irene travels westward to provide assistance.

Tori Morgan

Tori Morgan, portrayed by Penny McNamee, made her first appearance on 5 May 2016. The announcement of both the character and casting was made public on 22 November 2015. McNamee described landing the role as her "dream job" and began filming in early November, expressing gratitude for the support she received from co-star Georgie Parker. Tori is introduced as a medical professional seeking a new beginning in Summer Bay, carrying "dark secrets." In an interview with TV Week, McNamee revealed that Tori is fleeing from something and has come to evaluate whether Summer Bay is a safe environment for her family. She is the initial member of four Morgan siblings to arrive, tasked with determining if her brothers can join her.

Brody Morgan

Brody Morgan, enacted by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on-screen on 7 June 2016. Heywood, who had previously guest-starred in 2009 as Lachie Cladwell, was cast alongside James Stewart and Orpheus Pledger, who play his brothers. The casting announcement was made on 5 December 2015, with filming commencing during the week of 7 December. Heywood acknowledged comparisons to the Braxton brothers introduced in 2011 but highlighted that Brody’s storyline and family dynamic are distinct. Brody is depicted as an ambitious chef with significant aspirations.

Justin Morgan

Justin Morgan, played by James Stewart, debuted on 7 June 2016. His casting, alongside Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger as his siblings, was revealed on 5 December 2015. Production began in the week starting 7 December. This role marked Stewart's first continuous engagement after taking a hiatus to care for his daughter. He emphasized focusing on establishing the new family relationships rather than drawing parallels to previous characters, aiming to introduce fresh energy to the series. In August 2017, Stewart was longlisted for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards but did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist.

Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan, portrayed by Orpheus Pledger, also made his debut on 7 June 2016. His casting was announced simultaneously with his on-screen brothers. For this role, Pledger relocated from Melbourne to Sydney. Mason is characterized as a medical student who balances his studies with a commitment to fitness, maintaining an optimistic attitude and strong moral values.

Tabitha Ford

Tabitha Ford, played by Eliza Scanlen, appeared as a recurring student character between 21 July and 27 September 2016. Known for her antagonistic presence at Summer Bay High, Tabitha’s storyline involved manipulative behavior directed at fellow student Olivia Fraser Richards, including identity theft and exam cheating that resulted in another student's suspension. Her actions escalated into blackmail and impersonation, ultimately leading to police involvement and her transfer to boarding school. Tabitha’s narrative explored themes of rivalry and psychological manipulation among the youth audience.

Hope Morrison

Hope Morrison, portrayed by Jessica Falkholt, was introduced on 19 September 2016.

Hope initially attacks Justin Morgan after overhearing him outside her residence but is restrained by Martin Ashford and Kat Chapman. She soon discovers from Justin that her uncle, Atticus Decker, is hospitalized following a deliberate car crash. Spike Lowe and his associates attempt to abduct Hope and her sister Raffy; while Ashford rescues Raffy, Hope is taken captive. Spike impersonates Hope’s husband to gain access to Decker’s hospital room and attempts to administer a fatal injection but is apprehended.

Hope and Raffy reside at the farmhouse with Kat and Phoebe Nicholson. Hope creates tension by wearing Phoebe’s clothing and consuming her food without permission. After breaking her phone, she falsely accuses John Palmer of causing the damage and demands compensation, which he refuses. Justin offers Hope part-time work at the garage; however, she steals customers’ credit card information there. Upon discovery, she is arrested for misappropriation of funds.

After being released, Hope learns that Raffy is Decker’s daughter and thus her half-sister. She steals Mason’s car intending to flee with Raffy but suffers a breakdown followed by an injury requiring surgery. Hope warns Raffy against trusting the Morgans. When Raffy uncovers their true familial connection and realizes Hope is not her sister, they plan to leave Summer Bay together. Hope steals money from Salt but is caught and remanded in custody. Struggling with solitary confinement, she is prescribed diazepam but overdoses on stolen sleeping pills, resulting in hospitalization.

Before returning to prison, Hope apologizes to Phoebe and entrusts her with caring for Raffy, encouraging Raffy to place trust in the Morgans and Justin. One year later, Hope sends Raffy a handmade birthday card.

Raffy Morrison

Raffy Morrison, brought to life by Olivia Deeble, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016. Deeble moved from Melbourne to Sydney to take on the role and was contracted for three years. She departed the show in 2019, with her concluding scenes broadcast on 12 September after deciding against renewing her agreement.

Raffy’s narrative centers on intricate family relationships, as she uncovers her identity as the half-sister of the Morgan siblings through their mutual father, Atticus Decker. Following a near-abduction episode and the arrest of her sister Hope, Raffy relocates to the Farmhouse alongside several principal characters. While attending Summer Bay High, she faces bullying and develops friendships, particularly with Coco Astoni and Ryder Jackson.

Her family history is marked by trauma and involvement in witness protection after the murder of her siblings’ parents by drug traffickers. Raffy wrestles with these truths and her role within the Morgan family unit. When Brody Morgan’s drug addiction intensifies, Raffy moves in with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers, reflecting changes in her living situation linked to familial upheavals.

Among Raffy’s personal struggles is being targeted by Mackenzie, a predatory former student, from whom Robbo intervenes to protect her. Additionally, she encounters underage drinking at a fashion launch event, highlighting the social challenges faced by young characters.

In terms of romance, Raffy enters a relationship with Ty Anderson that ends when he reveals his homosexuality. This breakup results in bullying and emotional withdrawal but eventually transitions into friendship. Subsequently, she starts dating Ryder Jackson; however, conflicting schedules contribute to their separation.

A pivotal health plot unfolds when Raffy experiences seizures and receives an epilepsy diagnosis. Her brothers assist in managing her treatment, including Mason producing medicinal cannabis oil despite legal concerns. This storyline adds complexity to her character and introduces medical trial opportunities that impact her career path.

Throughout her tenure on the series, Raffy deals with hidden family secrets, health issues, and shifting relationships. Her exit is marked by acceptance into a medical trial in Victoria, serving as a purposeful departure aligned with themes of professional growth.

From a business perspective, Raffy’s integration into key storylines enhanced viewer engagement, while Olivia Deeble’s casting exemplified talent recruitment strategies within Australian television. The character’s arcs address relevant social topics such as substance abuse, mental health challenges, and youth vulnerability, thereby strengthening the show’s market appeal.

Jeannie Woods

Jeannie Woods, played by Anna Bamford, first appeared on 1 November 2016 and remained on screen for approximately six weeks. Introduced as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), Jeannie arrives in Summer Bay after receiving an invitation from Evelyn MacGuire to participate in a charity volleyball match.

Their initial encounter occurs when Jeannie assists Brody in gathering scattered barbecue items. She registers for the volleyball competition and partners with Matt Page (Alec Snow). Brody offers Evelyn $1000 to allow him to play alongside Jeannie during the final game. After briefly disappearing from view, Jeannie returns for a job interview where she learns Brody owns the local restaurant. Despite an awkward interview performance, Brody extends a job offer which she accepts. Their professional relationship includes flirtatious moments, but an uncomfortable kiss causes Jeannie to resign temporarily.

Brody persuades her to come back and they begin dating covertly due to Jeannie’s complicated family situation; her father, Randall (Paul Ceaser), is a survivalist doomsday prepper. Randall’s arrival creates friction, especially after Brody disparages his beliefs. Despite efforts toward reconciliation, ongoing conflicts lead to the termination of their relationship, with Jeannie ultimately leaving the restaurant for employment in Yabbie Creek.

Ava Gilbert

Ava Gilbert made her debut on 8 December 2016. She is the daughter of Justin Morgan (portrayed by James Stewart). Initially played by Grace Thomas and subsequently by Alice Roberts, the character was recast with Annabel Wolfe in February 2023 to accommodate more mature plotlines as Ava transitions into her teenage years. Ava arrives unexpectedly in the Bay to visit her father but finds it difficult to conceal her feelings for his apprentice Theo Poulos (Matt Evans). Wolfe remarked that the storyline explores the changing nature of father-daughter relationships, emphasizing Ava's development both emotionally and physically, which results in occasional miscommunications between them.

Justin becomes aware that Ava has been communicating with a boy online, creating friction that prompts her move to the Bay. While Justin encourages her to be open, Theo and Kirby Aramoana (Angelina Thomson) suggest it may simply be a youthful crush. Wolfe described Ava as a source of "turmoil" in Justin’s life due to her defiant nature. The character is slated to return for Justin’s wedding to Leah in April 2024.

Upon returning from the city, Ava reestablishes contact with Justin, confirming their bond. She develops friendships with Justin’s fiancée Phoebe Nicholson and sister Raffy Morrison. Following a dispute between Justin and Ava’s stepfather Brian Gilbert (Tom O'Sullivan), Ava runs away and is struck by a vehicle. Brian subsequently grants Justin visitation rights. After Nina and Brian depart from town, Ava remains with Justin and forms a friendship with Scarlett Snow (Tania Nolan). When she returns months later, Ava meets Justin’s girlfriend Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts) but is abducted by Boyd Easton (Steve Le Marquand) and his mother Hazel Easton (Genevieve Lemon). Willow assists in her rescue; however, following Justin and Willow’s breakup, Nina restricts his visits with Ava.

Ava comes back once more to live with Justin and encounters his new partner Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou). Though initially hesitant, she eventually connects with Leah through shared experiences. After Nina and Brian separate, Justin assumes greater responsibility for Ava, encouraging her communication with Brian despite limitations. When Justin’s sister Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) is hospitalized, he takes Ava to visit family in Yarra Valley before returning her to Nina. Later, he brings Ava back to the Bay and discloses his spinal tumor diagnosis, choosing to prioritize meaningful time together before surgery due to uncertain outcomes.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
11 February	Louisa O'Brien	Claudia Cranstoun	Louisa invites Josh Barrett to join her and fellow HSC students for the afternoon. When Josh tends to Casey Braxton, Louisa and others visit his home. She disables the baby monitor so she can spend uninterrupted time with Josh.
	Glen Day	Logan Stevenson	Glen spends the afternoon with Adriana alongside Louisa and Josh before leaving for work; Louisa encourages Adriana to follow Glen so she can have Josh's company alone.
	Adriana Kerr	Hana Lee Woodbridge
	Psych Nurse	Angie Diaz	The Psych Nurse permits Skye Peters to see her mother Carol and informs Skye that Carol remains responsive despite her condition.
18 February	Destiny Starr	Lara Schwerdt	Destiny's initial date with Chris Harrington ends when she realizes he has unresolved feelings for an ex-girlfriend.
25 February	Coach McKinnon	Warren Ekermans	Coach McKinnon intervenes during a high school basketball game fight and sends VJ Patterson off the court.
2 March	Zara Leonard	Georgia Nichols	Oscar MacGuire notices Zara at Angelo's; later they are seen sharing a kiss on the balcony.
2–17 March	Claire Lewis	Anita Hegh	Claire claims to be Irene Roberts' daughter; after DNA tests disprove this, Claire departs but forms a bond with Irene.
15 March–11 April	Harry Kingswood	Wayne Bradley	Harry brings Florence and Lulu to visit their mother Isla Schultz. After Isla takes the girls away, Kyle persuades her to return them.
	Florence Kingswood	Charlee Kwintner
	Lulu Kingswood	Mia Kwintner
17 March	Alessia De Luca	Bridgette Hollitt	Alessia attends a university party where she flirts with Oscar MacGuire and later shares a kiss with him.
	Tanya Hardy	Ashleigh O'Brien	Tanya meets Oscar after Alessia leaves the party but walks away after learning about Oscar's earlier interaction.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

19 December 2016 – 30 January 2017 || Festival DJ || Flexmami || Performs music sets between acts at the Summer Grooves festival where Phoebe Nicholson appears. |- 19 December || Phoebe's Band || Interim || Provides instrumental backing for Phoebe Nicholson's performance at Summer Grooves festival.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

19 December || Jessica Mauboy || Herself || Performs live at Summer Grooves music festival following an invitation from event organizer Evelyn MacGuire.

External links

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