Danny Farnsworth

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
Products	Television drama
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 direction of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season commenced on 23 January 1989. New additions included Martha Stewart in January, schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February, Rebecca Fisher in April, Marilyn Chambers (played by Emily Symons) in May, the birth of Duncan Stewart in June, Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) two weeks later, Viv Newton (Mouche Phillips) in July, and Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue) in September.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was first introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, with Alison Mulvaney portraying the character. She appeared as Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) first wife through flashback sequences. When Martha returned on 27 March 2018, the role was recast with Belinda Giblin, who had previously guest-starred as Cynthia Ross in 1991. It is said that Meagher suggested Giblin for the part. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the series’ 30th anniversary celebrations, Martha was revealed to be alive after being presumed dead following a 1985 sailing mishap. Alf confides to their daughter Roo that Martha’s disappearance was due to personal unhappiness rather than death. Upon her eventual return to Summer Bay, she embarks on a complicated journey to reconcile with Alf and Roo while managing borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Her storyline covers her original marriage to Alf and their daughter Roo (originally portrayed by Justine Clarke), who was believed drowned after an accident. Flashbacks disclose Martha’s awareness of Bobby Simpson’s biological mother and the adoption details. Years later, Alf admits that Martha survived; she arrives in Summer Bay and reconnects with family but struggles with anxiety related to her BPD, prompting her to leave temporarily.

Following treatment for her condition, Martha renews contact with Alf and Roo and eventually rekindles a romantic relationship with Alf. Though initially hesitant about remarrying, they wed and maintain residences both in Summer Bay and Merimbula. Throughout her arc, Martha’s mental health remains central as she copes with anxiety and BPD with assistance from local healthcare professionals.

Her son Kieran Baldivis later reaches out to her, introducing additional family complexities. Martha shares her difficult relationship with Kieran with Alf and Roo prior to his arrival in Summer Bay. She primarily resides in Merimbula but frequently visits Alf.

Martha’s narrative underscores themes of healing family rifts, raising mental health awareness, and navigating intricate familial relationships within the larger context of the series.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Coburn is the daughter of Norman Coburn, who portrayed headmaster Donald Fisher on the show. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Although Coburn initially disliked embodying an antagonistic character, she grew to appreciate the role over time. She appeared semi-regularly until filming her final scenes in June 1990, valuing the consistent work and learning opportunity. One memorable moment was filming a fight scene alongside Dannii Minogue shortly before departing.

Vicki served as a disruptive presence among Steven Matheson’s classmates at Summer Bay High, tormenting peers such as Viv Newton and clashing with Emma Jackson. After unsuccessfully attempting to gain tutoring from teacher Grant Mitchell, she falsely accused him of sexual harassment, which led to his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, resulting in Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to expose Vicki’s deceitful actions, ultimately leading to Vicki’s expulsion from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of school headmaster Donald Fisher. During her visit to Summer Bay, she became romantically linked to Steven Matheson. The producers appreciated the on-screen rapport between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated occasional returns for the character. In 1994, Danielle Carter assumed the role for a seven-week period. Two years later, Belinda Emmett took over the part, earning a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 1997. Emmett also received nominations for Most Popular Actress in both 1998 and 1999, as well as a Gold Logie nomination for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed the series in 1992 but returned from 1995 through 1999. Although Dannii Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn, she was instead cast as Emma Jackson, with Symons securing the role of Marilyn. Holy Soap described Marilyn as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy's portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, enacted by Mat Stevenson, joined the cast on 28 June 1989. Stevenson, who had previously appeared in a guest role on rival soap Neighbours, relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to film the show. He exited the series in 1994, describing Adam as "a bit of a layabout" who favored leisure over responsibility, contrasting with his own more conscientious personality. Inside Soap characterized Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 and considered requesting a full-time return after enjoying his guest experience.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after Justine Clarke left the series. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned her preference for staying busy on set, often prompting others to search for her when she was off-script.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, made her first appearance on 22 September 1989 and left on 22 August 1990. Minogue had initially auditioned for Marilyn Chambers but was cast as Emma instead. After one year on the show, she departed to focus on a music career. Despite rumors of a return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, Minogue did not reprise her role. She was nominated for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Award. Additionally, Holy Soap recognized Minogue as one of Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

26 October–15 November||Rory Heywood || Gregor Jordan || Visitor seeking Fletcher family under false pretenses irritating locals before being killed by shark; storyline noted as memorable by Judy Nunn. 31 October || Chas: Richard Huggett | Friend of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble involved in pool games where Mick hustles him out of money; warns others about Mick's skills prompting Martin to consider high stakes gambling challenge against Mick.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Celia Stewart’s late fiancé appearing in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart’s diary; their engagement party is interrupted due to Les's death in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Visitor to Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin; involved in schemes targeting the caravan park and framing Roo Stewart with poison pen letters; assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Younger sister of Alison and Mav Patterson attending Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham's memoirs stored on floppy disks and debates the existence of the "Summer Bay Bunyip" with Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades who separates from her after her secret regarding Bobby Simpson is revealed; warns Roo Stewart against Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist from The Daily Star probing into Morag Bellingham’s history; manipulates Celia Stewart for information and convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Dates Martin Dibble and takes etiquette lessons from Celia Stewart; leaves Martin after he discovers she is illiterate and upon arrival of her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting concerning a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble's mother who meets Leanne Dunn when Martin introduces Leanne to his family to discourage marriage plans.
8 March	Scott Dibble / Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Brothers of Martin Dibble appearing at a family meal alongside parents Ern and Nola.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Personal assistant to Morag Bellingham who mediates disputes and befriends Celia Stewart; resigns seeking independence leaving Celia a thoughtful farewell letter.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Host of 'The World Tonight' talk show featuring Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discussing Alan Fisher's novel and revelations about Morag's paternity.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn's ex-boyfriend who confronts Martin Dibble over Leanne; fight is broken up by Leanne before she leaves with Meat Axe.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker arriving in Summer Bay stealing money and firebombing a store causing Philip Matheson's death; fostered by Fletchers, manipulates Steven Matheson into framing Simon Yates; arrested for arson after drunken confession; paroled in 1995, commits murder, frames Steven again, kidnaps Kelly Watson, then disappears following cliff fight.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-armed robber working at Bayside diner dating Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson by Steven Matheson but later sends Roo a letter promising repayment to Alf Stewart.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father seeking reconciliation before passing away; leaves Andrew money and an apology letter despite strained relations.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official placing Dodge Forbes with Fletchers; investigates abuse claims against John Newton; temporarily removes guardianship from Donald Fisher during murder investigation but reinstates Viv Newton after Donald's exoneration.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s claim inflating store value after fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Macklin development investor initially hesitant due to Frank Morgan’s background but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign contracts.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Investor Peter Bedford’s wife attending dinner with Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer involved in Macklin corporation strike negotiations mediated by Roo Stewart; helps rescue Marilyn Chambers during emergency.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; energizes Martin Dibble but unable to motivate Roo Stewart due to personal issues.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Stacey Macklin’s friend forming music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, Marilyn Chambers; group faces internal conflicts and sabotaged performances; Nina accepts promotion in Los Angeles inviting Stacey along.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman supporting Viv Newton during her period living on streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Brian "Dodge" Forbes over stolen car incident; Steven Matheson initially takes blame.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and Viv Newton’s father who abuses his daughters; exposed by Steven Matheson and Bobby Simpson leading to custody battles resulting in supervision orders and eventual loss of custody after social services intervene.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Viv Newton’s younger sister used by their father John to manipulate Viv; escapes abuse, reunites with mother Angela Newton following social worker involvement, begins new life with family in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; appoints Matt as beach inspector, closes Andrew Foley’s advice centre, resigns following 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 before adoption finalization; invites Sally into his home but she chooses to remain with Fletchers; departs with wife Louise.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating and Sally Fletcher’s aunt unable to have children due to ovarian cancer treatment; supports Sally before she decides against moving in with them.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter’s father demanding dismissal of teacher Grant Mitchell following false sexual misconduct allegations which are later disproved.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham for father's imprisonment and suicide; infiltrates Morag’s life as assistant, dates Bobby Simpson, terrorizes Morag with threats, holds her hostage during psychotic episode before fleeing town aided by Bobby.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in cases including Andrew Foley trespassing, arresting Martin Dibble for illegal sales, Shane Parrish theft arrest, Sally Fletcher running away, fatal hit-and-run causing Shane's death; confesses guilt resulting in suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician coordinating Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma at city hospital.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering hoax involving Martin Dibble costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart that niece Emma Jackson wishes to live with her; reveals estranged sister Bridget has unknown daughter to Ailsa.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; strands him on island by sailing away alone under false pretenses.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Local hot dog stand owner approached by Lance Smart and Martin Dibble; sells business to Celia Stewart instead of them.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife attending Stewart store amid council disputes over hot dog stand closures affecting Martin Dibble.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley staying with him and Stacey Macklin; drug addict whose behavior causes conflicts before leaving town.

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