David Gardiner (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced throughout 2009, all of whom were added under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Among the earliest additions were Gina and Hugo Austin, who appeared in January. February saw the introduction of Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. In March, Liam Murphy and John Palmer joined the cast, followed by the arrivals of Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner in April. The character May Stone was introduced in June. July brought the birth of Harry Holden along with the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. Detective Robert Robertson made his debut in August, with Romeo Smith being the final new character introduced in September.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and remained on the show until 18 April 2013. According to the official series website, Gina is portrayed as a committed mother who has endured difficulties with both her eldest and youngest sons but faces these challenges with strength rather than self-pity. Industry commentary depicts her as a warmhearted and grounded individual who consistently places her family's needs above her own aspirations. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s role as a mother to three sons forms a central part of her character’s identity.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, initially appeared on 27 January 2009, exited on 26 January 2010, returned on 6 May 2010, and departed again on 9 June 2010. Having previously acted in rival soap Neighbours, Curry expressed positive reflections on his time with Home and Away, noting both the appeal of Hugo’s persona and the demands of the role. Hugo is depicted as an "outdoorsy" individual characterized by a fit physique and a sun-kissed complexion.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, first appeared on screen on 1 February 2009. Robbo is employed on a boat alongside characters Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, frequently antagonizing Joey due to her sexual orientation. His harassment escalates into sexual assault, which Joey initially hides out of fear but later reports officially. Robbo denies these accusations following the complaint. When his former girlfriend Tanya Gannon arrives to support the investigation but is struck by a vehicle, Robbo retaliates violently against Joey, attempting to drown her. His storyline concludes with his arrest and formal charges.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, portrayed by Luke Bracey, debuted on 9 February 2009. Although described as having "the face of an angel," Trey quickly gained notoriety for his "devilish behaviour," capturing audience attention upon arrival. He became known for instigating trouble, particularly targeting characters such as Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin. A prominent plotline involved Trey secretly recording a sexual encounter with Nicole that was subsequently leaked—paralleling a real-life incident involving Lincoln Lewis.

Introduced as a disruptive student at Summer Bay High School, Trey frequently bullies classmates like Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) using racist insults and regularly clashes with faculty members. He maintains an ongoing rivalry with Geoff Campbell and has a strained dynamic with his stepfather, John Palmer. Trey also harbors animosity toward Miles Copeland but shows some improvement through interactions with Kirsty, developing romantic feelings for her. Following rejection, Trey retaliates by falsely accusing Miles of wrongdoing; however, these charges are later dismissed.

In an effort to change his image, Trey grows closer to Nicole Franklin; they begin dating and engage in sexual activity before recording a private video together. When Trey leaks this tape in retaliation after feeling spurned, Nicole suffers public humiliation. His escalating anger leads him to seize control of a school bus during an excursion, revealing he planted an explosive device beneath it. Despite attempts to evacuate students safely, the bomb detonates, causing serious injuries to Hugo Austin. Trey is subsequently apprehended and charged with attempted murder.

Freya Duric

Freya Duric, played by Sophie Hensser, made her debut on 10 February 2009.

In 2009, the series introduced two lesbian-themed story arcs, one of which involved Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and featured Freya kissing Nicole, leading to viewer complaints. James commented that Freya reflects a more rebellious side of Nicole from earlier times, creating a bond between them. The kiss from Freya is meant to demonstrate her attraction to Nicole, although Nicole is more drawn to the attention it brings rather than the act itself. This moment causes Nicole to confront her own boredom with life.

Freya arrives with the intention of reigniting a romance with Xavier Austin. Despite his initial reluctance because of his relationship with Ruby Buckton, Freya manages to seduce him. Gina voices her concerns about Freya to Xavier, but he continues seeing her as Freya stirs up trouble around Summer Bay. She becomes involved in drug dealing locally and persuades Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After a confrontation with Nicole, Freya publicly kisses her to prove she is not dull, which annoys Geoff, who suspects manipulation. While Freya enjoys having influence over Xavier, she soon grows bored and later kisses his brother Hugo without realizing Xavier witnesses it. Hugo ends their relationship, and Freya quickly departs.

Joey Collins

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

The character Joey was introduced to develop a lesbian storyline involving Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson) aimed at increasing viewership. Over five weeks, their relationship evolves from friendship into romance, including intimate scenes. Executive producer Cameron Welsh noted Joey’s strong reception and hinted at the possibility of her return.

Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who harasses her and ultimately sexually assaults her, threatening her against reporting the incident. She confides in Aden and Belle Taylor, who encourage her to take legal action. Robbo denies the accusations; even Joey’s brother Brett initially doubts her and evicts her from home, prompting Joey to stay with Charlie.

After Robbo attempts to drown Joey and is arrested, Charlie kisses Joey, beginning a secret romantic relationship. When their relationship becomes public knowledge, they endure homophobic reactions and gossip. Charlie struggles with accepting her sexuality while managing work responsibilities, leaving Joey feeling neglected. Ultimately, Joey tearfully says farewell and leaves for another job opportunity.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, enacted by Axle Whitehead, made his first appearance on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and presenter, earned the role through an audition process. Initially intended for only fifteen episodes, Liam is portrayed as a "bad boy rocker." Whitehead drew upon his own experiences to authentically depict Liam’s battle with drug addiction.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, was introduced on 25 March 2009. Cast after collaborating with other actors from the series, Brendan joined following the Austin family’s introduction. He has a developmental disability that causes tension between his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan comes to Summer Bay accompanied by his mother and is revealed to have autism. Xavier had been caring for him during Hugo’s absence, which creates conflict between the siblings. Initially kept hidden from friends, Brendan gains acceptance through Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton, who encourages him to engage socially. Under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan runs away several times—once climbing a tree and later causing a car accident by throwing a brick at Roman Harris's vehicle, resulting in Roman losing his sight. Xavier initially takes responsibility; however, Roman decides not to press charges after learning the truth.

Brendan’s fear of blue cars originates from witnessing an accident involving Hugo in the past. He later introduces Ruby Leeds as his girlfriend; she has Down syndrome and is often mistaken for Ruby Buckton due to their shared first name. Gina Austin supports Brendan’s move toward independence but hesitates about sheltered accommodation until Ruby persuades her otherwise. Brendan surprises everyone by saving Xavier from drowning despite limited swimming ability, which earns Gina’s approval for him to live independently. Brendan mistakenly attends what he believes is Hugo's funeral; it is later revealed that Hugo is alive. Following Gina’s death in 2013, Brendan does not attend her funeral due to emotional distress.

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, previously known for his role in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. The character is characterized as a "strict father" figure and is affiliated with the surf lifesaving club.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, debuted on 10 April 2009. She becomes romantically involved with Geoff Campbell and later reveals her pregnancy. Their storyline includes a dramatic event where they are trapped in a caravan fire after spending the night together. Series producer Cameron Welsh highlighted the intricacies of Claudia’s pregnancy narrative, which involves her initially concealing the true paternity.

Claudia arrives to assist on Geoff’s farm, develops romantic feelings, and they start a relationship. Following the caravan fire incident, Claudia discloses she is expecting a child but claims that her former partner, Lachie, is not the father. Lachie attempts to reconcile with her but is turned down. As conflicts escalate between Geoff and Lachie—culminating in Lachie sustaining an injury—Claudia confesses that Lachie is indeed the father. Geoff reacts with anger and expels her from his life. Due to Lachie's aggressive behavior, Claudia denies him access to their child and eventually leaves Summer Bay to live with her cousin in Dubbo.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, appeared first on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond’s (Alexandra Park) former boyfriend, involved in an intermittent relationship with her. Lachie tries to win Claudia back, but she reveals her pregnancy while initially denying that he is the father. After a confrontation with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis), Lachie suffers injuries resulting in hospitalization with potential paralysis. Subsequently, Claudia admits that Lachie is the biological father, causing strain between her and Geoff. Although Lachie hopes to build a family, Claudia ultimately excludes him from their child’s life and departs from Summer Bay.

The Daily Record observed that despite Geoff’s generally good nature, his frustration led to intense clashes with Lachie.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, portrayed by Jeremy Sims, arrived on screen on 13 May 2009. Critics lauded Sims’s compelling performance, particularly emphasizing Gardy’s disturbing manipulation of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby). The Daily Record described him as both charming and villainous.

Gardy infiltrates Roman’s household, unsettling Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Even though Roman recently lost his sight, he permits Gardy to stay with them. Gardy becomes embroiled in a violent clash alongside Roman and Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) against John Palmer (Shane Withington) and his associates. He pursues hazardous methods in an attempt to restore Roman’s vision and later coerces Roman into participating in a liquor store robbery that causes an elderly woman to suffer a heart attack.

After Nicole rebuffs Gardy’s advances, he threatens to implicate Roman in the robbery. Gardy intensifies his criminal undertakings by robbing the Palmer household and taking Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. Although Roman confronts Gardy, he chooses to protect him. It is revealed that Gardy is blackmailing Roman concerning a wartime shooting incident.

Gardy plans a warehouse heist in Mangrove River but aborts due to police presence. He incapacitates Roman and threatens Nicole to ensure their cooperation. During the robbery, Gardy intends to eliminate witnesses; however, Roman resists and is shot in the process. A shootout follows involving Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) and Hugo Austin; despite Hugo’s spear gun attack failing, Roman manages to incapacitate Gardy with a gunshot to the leg. Despite his injuries, Gardy escapes into a creek and vanishes from the storyline.

May Stone

May Stone, played by Alin Sumarwata, was introduced on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She soon enters into a relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly rekindling his romance with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, mentioned that although Charlie partly intended to create complications, Angelo remained drawn to her. The Daily Record pointed out Angelo's lack of sensitivity towards May, who was visibly upset following their breakup.

May becomes part of the Summer Bay community and after some successful dates, starts dating Angelo. However, Angelo’s ongoing feelings for Charlie result in a clandestine affair. Once the truth is revealed, May confronts Angelo and promptly decides to leave Summer Bay, resigning from her teaching position and departing immediately.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden, was first seen on 30 July 2009, portrayed by several young actors over time. After his birth, Rachel struggles to form a bond and manage Harry’s persistent crying, even experiencing thoughts of harming him before seeking assistance. When Jane Avent holds Rachel responsible for her own stillbirth and abducts Harry, law enforcement intervenes and safely recovers him.

In August 2010, Harry moves with his parents to Boston, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before their departure.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, portrayed by Robert Mammone, made his initial appearance on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to strong audience response, Sid along with Indigo and Dexter were brought back as permanent characters in June 2010.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker was originally played by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009 but was recast in 2010 with Charles Cottier when the character returned. Cottier remarked on Dexter’s development and intentionally chose not to view Green’s earlier performance. A significant storyline involved Dexter’s romantic involvement with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both thrilling and somewhat awkward given their considerable age gap.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, enacted by Samara Weaving, first appeared on 30 July 2009. The Walker family—comprising Sid, Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), Dexter, and Indigo—was introduced as a new household unit within Home and Away. They departed from the show in September 2009 but returned in June 2010. Weaving noted that managing the return was easier alongside her other professional engagements.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, debuted on 2 August 2009. Conceived by James Walker for a murder mystery plotline, Robertson was crafted to blend serious themes with humor. He functions as a versatile detective skilled in deception, enabling multiple characters to become involved in investigations. Otto drew upon his comedic abilities and classic eccentric detective traits for the role, describing it as one of his finest performances.

Robertson arrives in Summer Bay as a police detective investigating the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton’s biological father. He suspects Ruby’s mother, Charlie, initially arresting her before uncovering that Charlie’s father, Ross Buckton, is actually responsible. Despite his quirky behavior and exaggerated stories, Robertson proves to be an effective investigator. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker, though she ultimately declines pursuing a relationship.

Returning later to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham, Robertson teams up with Detective Graves and focuses suspicion on Alf Stewart as the primary suspect. Despite several arrests, concrete evidence remains elusive. He attempts again to pursue Leah romantically but is rejected due to her unresolved feelings for an ex-partner. Robertson coerces Will Smith into accusing Alf, which leads to Alf’s arrest; however, Morag Bellingham exposes Will as dishonest, resulting in Alf’s release and Will being charged instead.

Facing professional disappointments and personal uncertainty, Robertson confides in Leah who offers him support. After receiving a promotion, he proposes that Leah and her son relocate with him to the city, but she declines the offer.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed this role after moving to Sydney and initially struggling to find work. Romeo is depicted as charming, "playful, humorous, and courteous". His family on screen includes his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). A significant romantic plotline centers around his relationship with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Additional Characters

17–24 November | Reg Merrin | Dane Carson | Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies; dismisses him following a misunderstanding involving his daughter Catie. 18–24 November | Catie Merrin | Tess Haubrich | Daughter of Reg Merrin who pursues Aden Jefferies, causing friction with Nicole Franklin and resulting in Aden’s termination. 19–23 November | Orson Cardillo | Mark Lee | Longtime gardener for Donna De Bono implicated in framing incident; suffers heart attack amid police inquiry. 20 November | Bonita Cardillo | Suzi Dougherty | Orson Cardillo’s wife defending his innocence during accusations. 25 November–18 February 2010 | Hazem Kassir | Ben Kermode | Dates Leah Patterson-Baker until a racially motivated assault leaves him paralyzed, prompting relocation. 26 November | Prison Guard | Joe Tarena | On duty during Derrick Quaid’s escape from custody. %}

External links

• Present lineup and characters on the Official Home and Away portal
• Current lineup and characters via Holy Soap

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
30 January	Bank manager	Christopher Saunders	Notifies Leah Patterson-Baker of unauthorized access attempts by Bridget Simmons.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden on a boat involved in illegal abalone harvesting; arrested after attempting to incriminate Aden.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police officer conducting a short investigation in Summer Bay.
3 February	Lawyer	Blair Cutting	Legal counsel for Angelo Rosetta.
4 February–25 January 2010	Lou De Bono	David Roberts	Dates Irene Roberts; later dies at sea, resulting in Irene's wrongful accusation.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless individual who defends Melody Jones from attackers.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Assailant targeting Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines an interview to protect a nursing home; persuaded by Melody Jones to cooperate.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Melody Jones’ grandmother who passes away due to a stroke.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participant in a speed dating event; briefly connects with Leah before she returns to Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Older sibling of Joey Collins, struggles with her sexuality but eventually reconciles after family conflicts.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Antagonist shipwrecked and involved in illegal human trafficking; apprehended alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Newspaper employer who has an affair with Paula Gill, causing workplace tension with Belle.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Ex-partner of Robert Cruze who files a complaint against him but suffers injury upon arrival.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Belle’s coworker and Jerry’s lover; bullies Belle regarding her pill dependency.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged wife of Lou De Bono who attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou’s death.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Wife of Liam Murphy; their troubled marriage ends in divorce with Chelsea moving to Paris with their son Ash.
23–28 April	Ash Murphy	Dusty Piper	Son of Liam and Chelsea Murphy.
1–2 June	Jenena Palmer	Anna Lise Phillips	Trey’s mother and John Palmer’s wife.
13 June–13 July	Clint Mailer	Matt Zeremes	Rugby coach who pressures Aden Jefferies to undermine teammate Geoff Campbell’s career.
14 July–18 August	Jane Avent	Felicity Price	Mother grieving a stillborn child, blames Rachel Armstrong and kidnaps her son Harry before seeking assistance.
14 July–18 August	Rex Avent	Sandy Winton	Jane Avent’s husband; initially defends Jane but later acknowledges her need for help following the kidnapping incident.
14 July–26 January 2010	Wayan Rahardjo	Dorje Swallow	Hospital patient who does not speak English, connected to Hugo Austin’s smuggling ring; used by Angelo during investigations.
20–21 July	Paul	Thomas Norrie	Minor character briefly appearing in the Bay.
23 July–18 August	Squirt	Ben Davy-Thorburn	Friend and colleague of Aden Jefferies; attends Aden’s bachelor party.
29 July-27 November	Marine Officer Bryant	Michael Sutherland	Water police officer assisting Angelo Rosetta in investigating human trafficking operations.
30 July–17 August 2011	Jody Walker	Victoria Haralabidou	Sid Walker's spouse; attempts reconciliation but leaves following infidelity, returns later for family visits.
20 August	Michelle	Michelle Pettigrove	Aunt of Charlie Buckton who reveals the true parentage of Ruby Buckton.
24 August–8 July 2010	Therese	Rose Ashton	Nurse involved in a brief romantic storyline with doctor Sid Walker, creating workplace conflict with Nicole Franklin.
Andy McLeod / Sophia McLeod		Paul Winchester / Madeline Andrews		Andy provides parenting advice to Rachel Armstrong; daughter Sophia is diagnosed with hearing issues leading Rachel to intervene.
	1–16 September	Grant Bledcoe	Clayton Watson	Biological father of Ruby Leeds accused of rape by Charlie Buckton; ultimately found deceased, triggering an investigation involving Ross Buckton.
8 September	Tracey Bledcoe	Mary Anne Byrne	Wife of Grant Bledcoe, shocked by allegations against him.
15 September–1 March 2012	Patrick Avery	Clayton Williams	Police constable appearing intermittently, notably bails Sid Walker on assault charges in 2012.
18–22 September	Ruby Leeds	Tracie Sammmut	Brendan’s girlfriend who encourages Gina’s independence through sheltered housing placement.
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	Son of Wayan Rahardjo who assists on Martha MacKenzie’s farm and participates in police operations against traffickers.
3 October–26 January 2010	Suzy Sudiro	Tasneem Roc	Former wife of Hugo Austin involved in human trafficking; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom before being subdued by Charlie Buckton.
Riley Radcliffe / Ian Radcliffe		Tani Edgecombe / Ben Simpson		Riley bullies VJ Patterson at school; his father Ian assaults Riley and tries bribery but is exposed and subsequently disappears.
	Poppie Merrin | Elouise Blair | Attempts to seduce Liam Murphy leading to his arrest for drug possession after Nicole Franklin intervenes.