Decker (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
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 compilation highlights characters introduced throughout 2016, all under the direction of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show’s 29th season premiered on 1 February 2016. Notable character debuts include Dylan Carter in February; Isla Schultz and Lindsay Ford in March; Mick Jennings alongside Tori Morgan in May; Tori's brothers—Brody, Justin, and Mason—in June; Tabitha Ford in July; siblings Hope Morrison and Raffy Morrison arriving in September; Jeannie Woods in November; and finally, Justin's daughter Ava Gilbert in December.

Dylan Carter

Dylan Carter, played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, made his first appearance on 1 February 2016. Taylor’s casting was revealed in August 2015, describing Dylan as a multifaceted detective connected to Summer Bay. He returned to the role in 2017 and also appeared for a guest arc in September 2019.

Dylan spearheads the inquiry into the murder of Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz), collaborating with his former partner Katarina Chapman (Pia Miller) and Mike Emerson (Cameron Stewart). Despite unresolved issues stemming from past abuse, Dylan interrogates several suspects, including Martin Ashford, Zac MacGuire, Hunter King, and Irene Roberts. After initially detaining Ashford, Dylan releases him once Kat uncovers an alibi. Upon discovering Charlotte’s second phone, Dylan charges Zac with her homicide based on surveillance footage evidence.

Complications arise when Zac’s attorney Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) reveals judicial impropriety involving Dylan’s blackmail of a judge to refuse Zac bail. The judge’s admission results in Dylan’s suspension. Tensions escalate as Dylan clashes with Kat and others, culminating in a hostage situation where he brandishes a firearm, leading to his arrest.

In later plots, Dylan is connected to amnesiac Robbo through evidence found on an abandoned vessel. Robbo recalls a violent encounter with Dylan, who had staged his own death. Subsequently, Dylan kidnaps Robbo but is subdued and handed over to gang leader Victor before both are apprehended by the Australian Federal Police. Weeks afterward, reports confirm Dylan was killed while incarcerated.

Isla Schultz

Isla Schultz, played by singer Samantha Jade, made her first appearance on 3 March 2016. Her casting was revealed on 5 September 2015, with Jade expressing enthusiasm about broadening her acting portfolio. Filming commenced soon after the announcement and wrapped up in November 2016.

Isla arrives in Summer Bay carrying a secretive history and initially possessing "questionable motives." Jade characterized her as "somewhat mischievous" and connected to dubious associates, though fundamentally well-intentioned. Isla develops a romantic relationship with Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway).

Her narrative involves working for Dave Rogers to recover a debt from Kyle, which leads to perilous events including kidnapping and a near-death escape. Isla’s ex-partner, Harry Kingswood, brings their daughters for a visit, sparking custody-related tensions. Later, Isla takes a job at a brothel, prompting Kyle to step in.

When Harry plans to relocate interstate, Isla contemplates committing an armed robbery at the Reefton Lakes golf club but is persuaded against it by Kyle. Subsequently, Kyle is arrested and sentenced to thirteen years, taking the blame to shield Isla. Before departing, Isla promises to honor Kyle’s sacrifice, emphasizing his significance in her life.

Lindsay Ford

Lindsay Ford, portrayed by Georgia Flood, first appeared on 17 March 2016. Flood’s casting was announced in October 2015, with the character disclosed in March 2016. Despite initial reservations, Flood accepted the role, describing Lindsay as "really interesting," and enjoyed filming her guest appearance.

Lindsay tries to reach out to Hunter King (Scott Lee), who ignores her calls. She visits the caravan park, introduces herself to Hunter’s girlfriend Olivia (Raechelle Banno), and reveals she was with Hunter the night he left Summer Bay. Lindsay intends to stay but insists she won’t interfere with Hunter and Olivia’s relationship. However, after admitting to Olivia that she and Hunter shared a kiss, tensions escalate. Lindsay’s interference results in Olivia ending her relationship with Hunter. She organizes a beach party and arranges for an incriminating photo of Olivia with Drew Panton (Govinda Roser-Finch), which fuels further disputes. Lindsay provokes Olivia at the diner and later attempts to rekindle things with Hunter, who rejects her advances. Lindsay then steals Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) ute; during the attempt to stop her, Hunter is injured, and Lindsay flees the scene. Olivia warns Lindsay that she must leave town or face police consequences for the accident.

Mick Jennings

Mick Jennings, enacted by Kristian Schmid, debuted on 5 May 2016 as the estranged son of established character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Irene had disclosed being raped at age 14 and giving birth at 15 before putting the child up for adoption. Mick was later revealed as Billie Ashford's (Tessa de Josselin) assailant—a storyline described as "dark," painting him as a "disturbed antagonist."

Mick arrives under the guise of being Chris Harrington's uncle and earns Irene’s trust before kidnapping her and revealing his true identity as her son—though she initially doubts him. He attempts to abduct Olivia Fraser Richards but is tracked down by police and arrested after Irene escapes. DNA testing confirms he is Irene’s son. After early release from a psychiatric facility, Mick returns but faces rejection from Irene and is arrested for violating an AVO following a confrontation with her. Discovering he fathered Billie’s daughter Luc Patterson, Mick abducts Luc from the hospital but later returns her to Irene and surrenders himself.

Months afterward, Mick applies for parole but encounters hostility from Billie's brother Martin Ashford. Irene declines to support him despite his apologies. Upon release, Mick remains in Summer Bay but is again rejected once his past is exposed. Alf Stewart arranges mining employment for him in Western Australia; Mick initially declines. Following additional conflicts over Luc’s custody and threats from Ash, Mick survives a fall and is rescued by locals. He hires legal counsel to pursue custody of Luc but struggles with medication compliance affecting his behavior.

Ultimately convinced by Alf, Mick accepts the mining position in WA; Irene chooses to accompany him for support. Several months later, after Mick suffers an accident at the mine, Irene travels to assist during his recovery.

Tori Morgan

Tori Morgan, portrayed by Penny McNamee, made her debut on 5 May 2016. The announcement of both the character and casting was made public on 22 November 2015. McNamee referred to this role as her "dream job," a part she aspired to since beginning her acting career. She began filming in early November and expressed appreciation for the support she received from co-star Georgie Parker during production. Tori is introduced as a physician who arrives in Summer Bay seeking a new beginning, while carrying "dark secrets." In an interview with TV Week, McNamee revealed that Tori is fleeing from something and has come to assess whether Summer Bay is a safe environment for her family. She is the first among the four Morgan siblings to arrive, with the intention of determining if she can bring her brothers there.

Brody Morgan

Brody Morgan, brought to life by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 7 June 2016. Heywood had previously been seen on the show in 2009 portraying Lachie Cladwell. His casting, alongside James Stewart and Orpheus Pledger as his brothers, was announced on 5 December 2015. The trio began filming in early December. Heywood anticipated that viewers might compare the Morgan brothers to the Braxton brothers introduced in 2011 but highlighted that their storylines and relationships are unique. Brody is depicted as a chef with "big ambitions."

Justin Morgan

Justin Morgan, played by James Stewart, also premiered on 7 June 2016. His casting was revealed on 5 December 2015 together with Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger, who portray his siblings. This role marked Stewart's return to a regular part after taking a year off to care for his daughter. Filming commenced during the week of 7 December. Stewart stressed that establishing the new family dynamic was more important than comparisons to previous characters, expressing confidence that audiences would embrace them. In August 2017, he was included in the longlist for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards, although he did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist.

Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan, enacted by Orpheus Pledger, also debuted on 7 June 2016. His casting was announced at the same time as his on-screen brothers'. Pledger moved from Melbourne to Sydney for this role. He described Mason as an optimistic individual with strong principles. The character is a medical student who strives to balance his studies with social activities and maintaining physical fitness.

Tabitha Ford

Tabitha Ford, portrayed by Eliza Scanlen, appeared in a recurring capacity from 21 July to 27 September 2016 as a student at Summer Bay High. Known for her antagonistic behavior, Tabitha was depicted as manipulative and disruptive, particularly targeting Olivia Fraser Richards in an effort to damage her social reputation and relationships. Her actions involved impersonating others’ identities and interfering with exams, which resulted in police warnings and involvement from parents. Tabitha's storyline concluded when she left for boarding school, ending her disruptive presence within the plot.

Hope Morrison

Hope Morrison, brought to life by Jessica Falkholt, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016.

Hope initially tries to confront Justin Morgan after overhearing him near her residence, but Martin Ashford and Kat Chapman intervene. Justin informs her that her uncle, Atticus Decker, is hospitalized due to a deliberate car crash. When Spike Lowe attempts to abduct Hope and her younger sister Raffy Morrison, Ashford manages to save Raffy, but Hope is taken hostage. Spike impersonates Hope’s spouse to gain access to Decker in the hospital and tries to inject him with a fatal substance; however, he is apprehended before completing his plan.

After these incidents, Hope and Raffy move into Kat and Phoebe Nicholson’s farmhouse. Hope stirs conflict by wearing Phoebe’s clothing and consuming her food without permission. Upon breaking her phone, she wrongly accuses John Palmer of the damage and demands reimbursement, which he denies. Justin offers Hope a part-time position at the garage, where she unlawfully obtains customers’ credit card information. When she attempts to escape the Bay, she is arrested and charged with theft.

Following her release, Justin reveals that Raffy is actually Decker’s daughter and Hope’s half-sister. Hope steals Mason’s vehicle in an effort to flee with Raffy but sustains a serious injury after falling down an embankment. Nate Cooper provides medical care before she undergoes surgery. During her recovery, Hope advises Raffy not to trust the Morgans; however, Raffy later discovers their familial connection and that Hope is not truly her sister. The siblings plan to leave the Bay together, but Hope is caught stealing money from Salt and subsequently detained by Kat.

While in custody, Hope struggles with isolation and receives diazepam from Nate to aid her sleep difficulties. She accidentally overdoses on sleeping medication and requires hospitalization. Before returning to prison, Hope apologizes to Phoebe, asks her to look after Raffy, and encourages Raffy to place trust in the Morgans. One year later, Hope sends Raffy a handmade birthday card.

Raffy Morrison

Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble, first appeared on 19 September 2016. Deeble relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming purposes and was contracted for three years. She departed from the series in 2019, with her final scenes airing on 12 September after deciding not to renew her contract.

Raffy is introduced amid family turmoil involving her half-siblings—the Morgans—when it is revealed they share the same father, Atticus Decker. Initially grappling with this discovery alongside her sister Hope’s legal issues, Raffy moves into the Farmhouse with other residents and enrolls at Summer Bay High. Despite family tragedies and revelations related to witness protection, Raffy endures emotional challenges while maintaining connections with her siblings.

As Brody’s drug addiction intensifies, Raffy relocates to live with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. She forms a friendship with newcomer Coco Astoni but faces bullying from Jennifer Dutton. Her experiences include being rescued by Robbo from a perilous situation and dealing with incidents involving underage drinking. Later, she returns to live with the Morgans, rebuilds friendships, and develops romantic feelings for Ryder Jackson.

During a joyride with Ryder, Raffy discovers a deceased individual, prompting police involvement. She stands by friends through various hardships including Maggie Astoni’s cancer diagnosis. While living again with John and Marilyn, Raffy enters a complex relationship with their foster son Ty Anderson; this ends when Ty comes out as gay. Despite their breakup and subsequent bullying episodes, Raffy continues supporting Ty through his family struggles.

A camping mishap results in Raffy being hospitalized and diagnosed with epilepsy. She embarks on a relationship with Ryder; however, they eventually separate due to conflicting commitments. Raffy also confronts family difficulties linked to Brody’s infidelity while nurturing new friendships within Summer Bay. After Tori Morgan enters witness protection, Raffy accepts a medical trial opportunity in Victoria and moves away from Summer Bay with encouragement from family and friends.

Jeannie Woods

Jeannie Woods, played by Anna Bamford, made her first appearance on 1 November 2016 and remained on the show for roughly six weeks. She was introduced as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood). Jeannie arrives in Summer Bay after receiving an invitation from Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast) to participate in a charity volleyball event.

Her initial involvement includes assisting Brody with some dropped barbecue items and signing up for the volleyball match, where she is teamed with Matt Page (Alec Snow). Brody then offers Evelyn $1000 to allow him to play the final game alongside Jeannie. After briefly disappearing, Jeannie returns to attend a job interview at the restaurant owned by Brody, whom she meets again. Despite a shaky beginning, Brody hires her and provides training, sparking mutual attraction and a complex relationship.

Following an awkward incident, Jeannie resigns but later agrees to Brody’s invitation to come back. They start dating secretly due to her parents’ unusual lifestyle as doomsday preppers. Tensions arise when Brody makes disparaging remarks about her father, Randall Woods (Paul Ceaser), yet they attempt to mend their relationship before ultimately deciding to part ways. Jeannie then leaves the restaurant to accept employment in Yabbie Creek.

Ava Gilbert

Ava Gilbert was introduced on 8 December 2016 as the daughter of Justin Morgan (James Stewart). Initially portrayed 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. Her return to Summer Bay brings complicated father-daughter interactions and a crush on Justin’s apprentice, Theo Poulos (Matt Evans). Wolfe noted that their relationship reflects relatable challenges due to Ava’s significant growth during Justin’s absence, which leads to friction and misunderstandings. Ava’s rebellious nature introduces new conflicts into Justin’s life. She is scheduled to return for Justin’s wedding to Leah in April 2024.

Ava’s narrative includes learning that Justin is her biological father after coming back from the city, forming bonds with his fiancée Phoebe Nicholson and sister Raffy Morrison, and navigating a strained relationship with her stepfather Brian Gilbert (Tom O'Sullivan). After being struck by a car, Brian grants Justin visitation rights. Ava later stays with Justin while Nina and Brian are away, develops a friendship with Scarlett Snow, reconnects with Justin’s girlfriend Willow Harris, and is eventually kidnapped by Boyd Easton before being rescued by Justin and Colby Thorne. Nina temporarily prohibits Justin from seeing Ava, but she ultimately moves back in with him.

Upon her return, Ava initially resists connecting with Justin’s new partner Leah Patterson but gradually warms up through shared experiences. Family tensions persist as Nina and Brian separate, leading to custody disputes. Throughout these challenges, Justin supports Ava by facilitating contact with Brian and caring for her while his sister Tori Morgan is hospitalized. Facing a serious spinal tumor diagnosis himself, Justin focuses on spending meaningful time with Ava prior to his surgery, highlighting the importance of their developing relationship.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
			Louisa extends an invitation to Josh Barrett to join her and classmates from their HSC course for an afternoon together. When Josh tends to Casey Braxton, Louisa and her friends visit his home. Louisa grows annoyed by Casey’s crying and switches off the baby monitor to focus on spending time with Josh.
			Glen and Adriana spend time with Louisa and Josh during the afternoon. After Glen departs for work, Louisa encourages Adriana to follow him, allowing Louisa to be alone with Josh.
			The Psychiatric Nurse permits Skye Peters to visit her mother Carol and informs her that despite Carol's condition, she can still hear her.
18 February			Destiny goes on an initial date with Chris Harrington at the diner. They share a connection until Chris brings up his former partner, revealing he has not moved on; Destiny decides to leave.
25 February			At a high school basketball game, Coach McKinnon intervenes in a fight between VJ Patterson and Hunter King, ultimately sending VJ off the court.
2 March	Zara Leonard	Georgia Nichols	Oscar MacGuire spots Zara at Angelo's and discusses their university studies. Later, Skye Peters observes Oscar and Zara sharing a kiss on the balcony.
	Claire Lewis	Anita Hegh	Claire approaches Irene Roberts, suggesting she might be her daughter. They develop a bond, but Olivia Fraser Richards expresses doubts and advises a DNA test. Upon learning Irene’s child resulted from sexual assault, Claire leaves but returns to live with Irene after eviction. The DNA results confirm Claire is not Irene’s daughter; she then decides to depart.
	Harry Kingswood	Wayne Bradley	Harry brings Florence and Lulu to Summer Bay to visit their mother Isla Schultz. After Isla takes the girls without permission, Kyle Braxton locates her working in a brothel and persuades her to bring them back.
		Charlee Kwintner
	Lulu Kingswood	Mia Kwintner
17 March	Alessia De Luca	Bridgette Hollitt	Alessia attends a university gathering at Angelo's, introduced by Maddy Osborne. She flirts with Oscar MacGuire; Skye Peters later witnesses them kissing on the balcony.
	Tanya Hardy	Ashleigh O'Brien	Tanya encounters Oscar MacGuire after Alessia leaves the party. When Skye points out Oscar was with another woman, Tanya walks away.
22–31 March	Drew Panton	Govinda Roser-Finch	Drew attends Lindsay Ford's beach party, receiving $50 to flirt with Olivia Fraser Richards as a provocation toward Hunter King. He later admits disliking Lindsay and attending only for free drinks.
	Dom Loneragan	Lindsay Farris	Dom, a photographer acquaintance of Ricky Sharpe, is hired for her wedding photos. He flirts with Phoebe Nicholson and supports her through difficult times, leading to a relationship. Dom reveals he has a daughter named Bella who initially resists their relationship but eventually accepts it. Dom’s estranged wife Tess visits; he admits she was unfaithful. Phoebe ends their relationship so Dom can reconcile with his family.
20 April	Womma	Dean Kyrwood	Kat Chapman and Martin Ashford confront Womma after discovering Dylan Carter paid him to intimidate witnesses and vandalize businesses.
21 April–9 March 2020		Nicholas Cassim	Taking over from Sergeant Mike Emerson in Summer Bay, McCarthy handles reports of workplace assaults involving Dylan Carter and advises Kat Chapman to report any incidents promptly.
12 May–8 June		Teagan Croft	Bella is Dom Loneragan’s daughter who initially shows hostility toward Phoebe Nicholson but eventually accepts their relationship. Bella’s mother Tess visits Summer Bay; tensions arise before Bella gives her approval.
	Alexandra Newman	Kate Fraser	Alexandra is rushed to hospital due to fetal distress and names her newborn after Nate Cooper and Tori Morgan.
		Uncredited
17 May 2016 – 10 April 2017		Karen Pang	Dr Chung participates in interviews for head of emergency alongside Dr Ben Dawson. She prescribes medication for Roo Stewart’s stress and later manages hospital budget cuts affecting staff positions. She informs Nate Cooper about medical negligence cases; disagreements over redundancies lead Nate to accept redundancy himself.
	}	Uncredited	Andrew and Kathy are admitted with gunshot wounds following an armed robbery; Andrew briefly flatlines but recovers.
	}	Susan Boyd
	}	Sophie Roche	Tess is Dom Loneragan’s wife and Bella’s mother. She visits Summer Bay seeking reconciliation with Dom and meets Phoebe Nicholson, expressing her wish to reunite while spending time with Dom and Bella.
7 June 2016–12 July 2021	}	Himself/Buddy	Buddy is the Morgan family’s boxer dog. Raffy Morrison befriends him; he accidentally ingests methamphetamine pills but recovers after veterinary care. Willow Harris kidnaps Buddy during a dispute involving hidden money but later returns him. The canine actor Buddy passed away in May 2025.
9 June	}	Beth Aubrey	Janette informs John Palmer that Skye Peters has updated her address with DHS but is not required to disclose it due to being sixteen years old.
13 June, 20 February 2018	Nurse Erica	Claudia Barrie	Nurse Erica questions Tori Morgan about delivering patient charts to Nate Cooper, hinting at workplace gossip concerning Tori’s influence on Nate’s marriage breakdown. Erica later treats Maggie Astoni following chemotherapy complications.
14 June–12 July	}	Elle Harris	Lara reconnects with Mason Morgan but faces opposition from his brother Justin because of family witness protection status. Lara secretly continues seeing Mason until returning to Brisbane. Later revealed as part of an antagonistic group targeting the Morgans, Lara participates in Mason’s kidnapping before being arrested by authorities.
23 June–14 July	}	Ash Ricardo	Danika supervises teens performing community service; she confiscates Hunter King’s phone and manages Jordan Walsh’s dehydration incident before introducing Jordan to foster parents John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. Danika begins a casual relationship with Nate Cooper after meeting him at the beach.
23 June–26 July	}	Benny Turland	Jordan completes community service at the beach, befriends Hunter King, experiences dehydration collapse, moves in with foster parents John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. He navigates conflicts involving Hunter, his estranged father Aaron Walsh’s criminal activities, school life at Summer Bay High, reconciles with Aaron before returning to the city.
27 June	}	Ella Rose Corby	Sarah is a medical student assigned alongside Mason Morgan; she admires Dr Nate Cooper and raises concerns about medical errors during training.
28 June–10 November	}	James O'Connell	Simmo partners with Andy Barrett in car rebirthing schemes for profit but faces violent confrontations when police intervene. He blackmails Martin Ashford and Kat Chapman before escalating attacks against Ash’s family members.
29 June–20 September	}	Jason Montgomery	Spike infiltrates Summer Bay under an alias targeting the Morgan family; he drugs Nate Cooper, holds Tori Morgan hostage demanding a syndicate-related book, kidnaps Mason Morgan alongside accomplices Lara Adams and Blaine Varden, assaults Brody Morgan, threatens Justin Morgan’s family for information, attempts further kidnappings but is ultimately arrested by police.
5 July 2016 – 2 February 2017	}	Vanessa Buckley	Gretchen assists hospital staff including Nate Cooper and Tori Morgan during emergencies; she discovers an unconscious constable guarding Mick Jennings after an arrest incident.
5 July	}	Andrew Den	Andy Barrett hires Beau to facilitate Josh Barrett’s escape from police custody during court proceedings; Beau aids Josh’s breakout signaling Andy before being attacked by Josh as part of the plan.
11–12 July																										[Note: Due to length constraints this table segment ends here.] } External links Cast and characters on the official Home and Away site Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database