Dodge (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section outlines the characters introduced in 1989, all under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season started broadcasting on 23 January 1989. The initial character introduced was Martha Stewart in January, followed by the arrival of schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February. In April, Rebecca Fisher made her debut, while Emily Symons joined the cast as Marilyn Chambers in May. June marked the birth of Duncan Stewart, the child of Alf and Ailsa. Later that month, Mat Stevenson began portraying Adam Cameron, with Mouche Phillips introduced as Viv Newton in July, and finally, Dannii Minogue appeared as Emma Jackson in September.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart was first featured from 25 January to 13 February 1989, played by Alison Mulvaney. She was initially presented through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). The character returned on 27 March 2018 with Belinda Giblin recast in the role; Giblin had previously portrayed Cynthia Ross in 1991. It is said that Meagher recommended Giblin for Martha’s part, describing her as an ideal fit. Notably, Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.
Reintroduced during the series’ 30th anniversary celebrations, Martha’s storyline revealed she had survived after being presumed dead following a sailing mishap in 1985. Alf shares this revelation with their daughter, Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), who initially struggles to locate her mother until Martha independently arrives in Summer Bay. Their reunion rekindles their romantic connection despite Martha’s ongoing battle with borderline personality disorder (BPD), which brings anxiety and strains their relationship.
Originally married to Alf, Martha is also the mother of Ruth "Roo" Stewart (initially portrayed by Justine Clarke). Flashbacks disclose Martha’s awareness of Bobby Simpson’s biological parents and her involvement in Bobby’s adoption process.
In subsequent plots, Alf reaches out to Martha, sparking a renewed relationship between them. Martha creates a portrait of Alf and confesses her enduring love. After confronting anxiety symptoms related to her BPD, she undergoes treatment but eventually returns to Summer Bay to continue her relationship with Alf. Although initially cautious, they remarry and maintain residences both in Summer Bay and Marimbula, where Martha operates an art studio.
Martha’s mental health remains a central theme, involving referrals to specialists and ongoing care for her condition. Conflicts emerge regarding managing dual homes; however, Alf supports her need for a secure base at Marimbula.
The family narrative expands when Martha discloses to Roo and Alf that she has a son named Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), a secret she had kept due to complex circumstances. Kieran’s arrival in Summer Bay introduces fresh storylines connected to Martha.
Primarily residing in Merimbula, Martha balances her wellbeing with family life as Alf frequently visits.
Vicki Baxter
Vicki Baxter, brought to life by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Coburn's father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the show portraying the headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week labeled Vicki as "Summer Bay's local troublemaker." Initially hesitant to take on a character with negative traits, Coburn eventually found enjoyment in the role. She appeared intermittently and completed filming her final scenes in June 1990, valuing the steady work and learning opportunities. One memorable moment for her was filming a fight sequence with Dannii Minogue towards the end of her time on the show.
Vicki served as an antagonist within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, notorious for bullying and clashing with peers such as Carly Morris, Viv Newton, and Emma Jackson. After teacher Grant Mitchell rejected her advances, she falsely accused him of sexual harassment, which led to his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, thereby exonerating Grant. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, causing Emma's expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover Vicki’s deceitful actions, ultimately resulting in Vicki’s own expulsion.
Rebecca Fisher
Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher. During a visit to Summer Bay, she became romantically involved with Steven Matheson. The producers were impressed by the chemistry between Hall and Willits and considered bringing Rebecca back periodically. In 1994, Danielle Carter assumed the role for a seven-week period. Later in 1996, Belinda Emmett took over the character and received nominations for the Logie Awards including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), and the prestigious Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.
Marilyn Chambers
Marilyn Chambers, enacted by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but returned for a tenure spanning 1995 to 1999. Dannii Minogue had initially auditioned for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons secured the role of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is depicted as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."
Duncan Stewart
Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989, portrayed by Brendan McKensy. His portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.
Adam Cameron
Adam Cameron, played by Mat Stevenson, arrived on screen on 28 June 1989. Stevenson had previously appeared on rival soap Neighbours as a minor criminal named Skinner. This role marked a shift for Stevenson who relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming purposes. He described Adam as "somewhat of a layabout" who favors relaxation over responsibility, which contrasts with his own more conscientious personality. Stevenson exited the series in 1994 but returned briefly in 1999, noting that little had changed and expressing interest in resuming a full-time role. A columnist from Inside Soap described Adam as a "former joker" and "carefree" individual.
Viv Newton
Viv Newton, a character enacted by Mouche Phillips, made her first appearance on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips commenced filming soon after the exit of Justine Clarke. She mentioned in an interview with Look-in magazine that she enjoyed staying active on set, often leading to the crew searching for her due to her spontaneous movements.
Emma Jackson
Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, debuted on 22 September 1989 and exited on 22 August 1990. Originally, Minogue auditioned for the part of Marilyn Chambers, but was ultimately cast as Emma. After a year, she left the show to focus on her music career. Although there were speculations in 2007 about her returning for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reappear. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Award, and Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 January | Les Palmer | Graham Lancaster | Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé featured in 1970 flashbacks when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart's diary. Their engagement celebration is interrupted as Les later dies in the Vietnam War. |
| 26 January–16 March | Nicholas Walsh | Robert Taylor | Visitor to Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin, conspires with her father to acquire the caravan park. After framing Roo Stewart with poison pen letters and assaulting Stacey, he is apprehended by Tom Fletcher. |
| 1 February–5 September | Kim Patterson | Jacqui Townsend | Alison and Mav Patterson’s sister attending Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham's memoirs and challenges Sally Fletcher's assertions about the "Summer Bay Bunyip". |
| 13 February–20 March | Richard Bellingham | John Bonney | Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades who separates from her after learning she is Bobby Simpson’s mother; cautions Roo Stewart against Morag before departing. |
| 20 February–21 November | James Donahue | Richard Morgan | Journalist from The Daily Star investigating Morag's secret, manipulates locals for information, persuades Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting before leaving town. |
| 22 February–5 April | Leanne Dunn | Kylie Foster | Dates Martin Dibble, who tries to dissuade her by introducing his rough family; illiterate at first, she learns to read with Matt Wilson’s assistance but eventually leaves Martin for her former boyfriend Meat Axe. |
| 1 March–12 November | Enid | Jan Oxenbould | Friend of Celia Stewart who attends a community meeting concerning a killer shark near the beach. |
| 8 March | Nola Dibble | Denise Roberts | Martin Dibble’s mother, appears when he introduces Leanne Dunn to his family during dinner. |
| 8 March | Scott Dibble | Uncredited | Martin Dibble’s brother present at a family meal with parents Ern and Nola Dibble. |
| Errol Dibble | Uncredited | ||
| 21 March–24 May | Nigel Taggart | Gary Down | Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who returns as her personal aide and mediator; forms friendship with Celia Stewart but resigns seeking independence. |
| 28 March | Ross Maybury | John Banas | Host of 'The World Tonight' talk show; interviews Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson regarding Alan Fisher’s novel and Morag Bellingham’s maternal revelation. |
| 4–5 April | Meat Axe | Joseph Dicker | Leanne Dunn's ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble over Leanne; wins the fight leading Leanne to leave with him, breaking Martin's heart. |
| 18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995 |
Brian "Dodge" Forbes | Kelly Dingwall | Troublemaker arriving in Summer Bay: steals money, firebombs a store causing Philip Matheson’s death, bullies foster children; arrested for murder and imprisoned, returns in 1995 seeking revenge by framing Steven Matheson and kidnapping Kelly Watson. His body is never recovered following a cliff confrontation. |
| 20 April–16 May | Simon Yates | Christopher Saunders | Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner; dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson by Steven Matheson under Dodge's influence; arrested but later sends Roo a letter promising repayment to Alf Stewart. |
| 2–9 May | Andrew Foley Senior | Alan Tobin | Estranged father seeking reconciliation with Andrew Foley before dying; leaves money and an apology letter. |
| 10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990 | Howard West | Richard Rowe | Childcare Services official overseeing foster placements including Dodge Forbes; investigates abuse allegations against John Newton; issues supervision orders impacting Viv and Tammy Newton’s custody arrangements. |
| 11 May | Peter Braithwaite | Ron Blanchard | Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s double claim following store fire. |
| 18–29 May | Kyoko Sakamoto | Yuka Mitani | Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting the Macklin family on business matters. |
| 2–8 June | Peter Bedford | Bevan Wilson | Macklin investor attending dinner with Fletchers; initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign development contract. |
| 2 June | Claire Bedford | Linda Anning | Wife of Peter Bedford accompanying him during dinner with the Fletcher family. |
| 8 June–18 July | Flynn | Mark McCann | Laborer employed by Macklin corporation participating in strike resolved through Roo Stewart’s negotiation; assists in rescue involving Marilyn Chambers. |
| 13 June | Jay Everett | Andrew Doyle | Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to inspire Roo Stewart amid family difficulties. |
| 6 July–13 September | Nina Olivera | Raquel Suarstzman | Stacey Macklin’s friend who forms music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; after internal conflicts and sabotage, Nina attains promotion in Los Angeles inviting Stacey to join her. |
| 11 July | Beulah | Robyn Gurney | Homeless woman aiding Viv Newton during her period of homelessness. |
| 19 July | Sgt. Col Baker | Simon Westaway | Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car accident; Steven Matheson initially assumes blame. |
| 21 July–1 August | John Newton | John Gregg | Reverend and father of Viv and Tammy Newton; abuses daughters leading to intervention from locals and Child Services; custody battles result in Tammy relocating with mother Angela Newton. |
| 27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990 | Tammy Newton | Katy Edwards | Younger sister of Viv Newton involved in custody disputes due to abusive father John Newton; ultimately reunites with Viv and their mother Angela beginning anew in Queensland. |
| 9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990 | Rex Wilson | Barry Donnelly | Matt Wilson's uncle and local council member who closes Andrew Foley’s advice center; later resigns following heart attack. |
| 9 August | Freddie Hudson | Mark Arbib | Student visiting Andrew Foley’s Youth advice center at Bayside diner. |
| 18–31 August | Ross Keating | James Gleeson | Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody; despite initial interest, Sally opts to remain with Fletchers; Ross departs accompanied by wife Louise. |
| 23–31 August | Louise Keating | Felicity Soper | Ross Keating’s wife and Sally Fletcher’s aunt; unable to have children due to infertility; supports Sally's decision to stay with Fletchers before leaving town. |
| 29 August 1989, 23 March 1990 |
Len Baxter | Uncredited Damian Cudmore |
Vicki Baxter's father confronting teacher Grant Mitchell over alleged misconduct; demands removal but retracts after allegations prove false. |
| 29 August–10 November | Danny Farnsworth | Justin Connor | Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking vengeance against Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father resulting in suicide. Works as Morag's assistant while secretly threatening her. After exposure, holds Morag hostage but calmed by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher before fleeing town. |
| 30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996 | Chris Hale | John Meillon Jr. | Police constable involved in various law enforcement duties including arrests of major characters. Promoted to sergeant; accidentally causes hit-and-run resulting in Shane Parrish's death from complications. Confesses guilt leading to suspension. |
| 11 September | Doctor Ellis | Marilyn Allen | Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack. |
| 11 September | Doctor Williamson | David Whitford | City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma. |
| 18–21 September | Ian McTavish | Noel Trevarthen | Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble dressed up as creature. |
| 20 September | Samantha Walker | Fiona Shannon | Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson's wish to live with her, revealing family estrangement details. |
| 11–12 October | Millicent Staples | Julie Haseler | Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; deceives him by abandoning him on remote island after gaining trust. |
| 11 October | Henry Whiting | Patrick Ward | Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble decline purchase offer. |
| 25 October | Sylvia Wilson | Marie Armstrong | Rex Wilson’s wife attending Stewart store during council disputes involving closure of Martin Dibble's hot dog stand. |
| 26 October–15 November | Rory Heywood | Gregor Jordan | Claims ties to Fletcher family through his father causing local irritation before being killed by shark. His death triggers shark hunting efforts led by Zac Burgess. |
Bruce Samazan |
Drug-addicted friend of Andrew Foley who stays briefly with Andrew and Stacey Macklin before causing disruption and leaving suddenly. |- |31 October || Chas |
Richard Huggett |
Pool player hustling Lance Smart and Martin Dibble at The Corner Pocket; warns friends about Mick's gambling skills. |- |17 November|| Rosemary White |
Zoe Bertram |
Sister of Rory Heywood revealing his true identity as Colin following his death. |- |21 November 1989–22 January 1990|| Zac Burgess |
Mark Conroy |
Shark hunter hired after Rory Heywood's fatal shark attack. Charges high fees, suspects pollution attracting sharks, makes unwanted advances toward Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher creating community tension before being exposed and leaving town after conflict with Tom Fletcher. |- |12 December|| Drew Howard |
Ignatius Jones |
Producer of game show "Cheap Shots" collaborating with Marilyn Chambers aiming to embarrass Lance Smart and Martin Dibble on national television but is outsmarted by Marilyn instead. |} External links
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