Dom Moran

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

Home and Away is an Australian television soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following compilation highlights characters introduced during 2006, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's nineteenth season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Amy Mathews made her first appearance as Rachel Armstrong in the season opener. In February, Jessica Tovey joined the cast as Belle Taylor. April saw Sam North cast as Dom Moran, alongside Rodger Corser and Trent Baines portraying Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. July introduced Bobby Morley in the role of Drew Curtis, with Chris Sadrinna cast as Brad Armstrong, Rachel's brother. October additions included Jessica Chapnik playing Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings Rocco and Johnny, enacted by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, brought to life by actress Amy Mathews, made her debut on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, which also led to the exit of her on-screen spouse, Tony Holden. According to the official show website, Rachel is characterized by sharp intuition, a determined intellect, strong independence, and considerable resilience. Mathews described her role as lively, enjoyable, morally grounded, and fundamentally romantic. In recognition of her performance, Mathews was awarded the Logie for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at that year’s Inside Soap Awards. Industry commentators have noted Rachel's significant storyline involving her captivity by a cult intent on compelling her to give birth.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, portrayed by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on 3 February 2006. Major plotlines for Belle included uncovering her biological mother, overcoming drug addiction, developing a relationship with Aden Jefferies, and confronting a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the series in 2009, resulting in Belle’s character being written off through death; her final episode aired on 11 August 2009. Joining Home and Away at just 18 years old, this role marked Tovey’s television debut.

RTÉ described Belle as a "spirited, outgoing young woman" shaped by an unstable upbringing within a strict and authoritarian family environment. Her parents were taken aback by her rejection of their conservative values.

Tovey received multiple award nominations for her portrayal: "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards, "Most Popular Actress" in 2010, alongside several nods at the Inside Soap Awards such as "Sexiest Female" (2007) and "Best Actress" (2009) for the drug addiction storyline. The wedding of Belle and Aden was shortlisted in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Additionally, the episode depicting Belle’s funeral was nominated for an Australian Writer's Guild Award in 2010. Virgin Media recognized Belle and Aden among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while fans voted them Home and Away's Hottest Couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, was featured from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed at Moran Motors, the garage owned by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey). He targets Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) with hazardous pranks, causing Ric injuries twice—once through battery acid and another time with a malfunctioning jack that nearly crushes him. Dom also torments Ric's partner Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), which prompts Belle to physically retaliate. Due to his recklessness, Ray dismisses Dom from the garage.

Dom returns the following year, providing Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components for "The Beast" and becomes involved in drag racing alongside local criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A fatal drag race involving Denni leads to the death of Lisa Duffy (Jessica McNamee), Lucas Holden's former partner. To evade arrest for stealing parts, Dom steals and sets fire to Drew's vehicle. He offers to help clear Drew’s name only if Belle kisses him; after she reluctantly complies, Belle discovers Dom has confessed and he is subsequently imprisoned.

Upon release, Dom kidnaps Belle. Drew manages to rescue her following a pursuit that injures Dom. Although Dom disappears afterward, he briefly returns to leave a ring for Belle. When Dom collapses at the diner, Belle rushes him to the hospital where Drew warns him to stay away. After emergency surgery, Belle admits she told Dom she loved him merely to aid his recovery. Dom begins rehabilitation with physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), who unwittingly encourages his fixation on Belle. He takes a job at the diner and mocks Drew for still repeating Year 12.

Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) organize an interview for Dom with Irene’s daughter Finlay (Tina Thomsen) at her restaurant in the city as a way to distance him from Belle. However, Dom ruins this chance and departs for the city, promising to return for Belle.

Clayton Smales from The Townsville Bulletin criticized North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," labeling Dom a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, appeared between 5 April 2006 and 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with Home and Away cast members in Coogee, leading to rumors of a potential comeback since his character was never officially killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and ex-lover of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). Rachel invites him to join her and Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) for lunch; Leah is in the process of separating from her husband Dan. Hugh asks Leah out on a date; she initially refuses but later agrees before ultimately turning him down after sharing a kiss.

Hugh returns months later harboring feelings for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). He supports Rachel through marital difficulties and organizes a picnic involving Kim. When Rachel notices Hugh flirting with Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), she arranges an awkward dinner date between them. Julie questions Hugh about his feelings for Rachel; he denies any romantic interest. Rachel later invites Hugh to stay with her and Kim but he leaves after a tense medical conference trip, moving in with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

During a night out, Hugh meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) and spends the night with her. Rachel’s jealousy leads to a confrontation where Hugh admits his feelings for her; Rachel dismisses this as lingering emotions from their past relationship. After Rachel separates from Kim following an argument, she stays with Hugh and they share a kiss.

Hugh receives an assignment in Johannesburg and demands Rachel choose between him or Kim. When she hesitates, he departs for South Africa. Months later, he emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden—but she declines his invitation to meet.

Readers of Inside Soap showed preference for Rachel being with Hugh over Kim, granting Hugh 57% of the vote.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, first appeared on 7 April 2006 and exited the series on 23 February 2007.

Macca's plotline primarily explores his violent relationship with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson). Baines emphasized the storyline's social significance, underscoring the necessity of support for abuse survivors and recognizing the nuanced nature of abusive behavior, which defies straightforward explanations.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca quickly forms connections with characters such as Martha MacKenzie. While working as a courier, he begins dating Cassie; however, the pressures of his job lead him to drug use. This substance abuse, combined with jealousy, culminates in domestic violence against Cassie, resulting in serious harm.

After Sally Fletcher intervenes, Macca turns himself in and seeks rehabilitation. Although barred from attending Martha's wedding, he bravely assists during an explosion incident, sustaining injuries while rescuing others. Later, following a helicopter crash involving Martha and others, Macca participates in the search effort and plays a crucial role in saving Ric Dalby.

Several months later, Macca returns claiming to have completed therapy. He resumes an affair with Cassie, who had since reconciled with Ric. The affair sparks conflict leading to Macca’s eviction from the caravan park. Offered a city-based position by his employer, he plans to move away with Cassie; however, circumstances in Summer Bay draw her back. When she refuses to leave again, Macca resorts once more to violence before ultimately surrendering to the police.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, made his debut on 7 July 2006 and departed on 21 March 2008. Morley, who had previously worked on Angels with Dirty Faces, was cast despite being older than Drew’s character. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this role and initially found the rapid filming schedule demanding. Morley exited Home and Away at the close of 2007 and later described feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent scenes requiring him to be shirtless.

The official Home and Away website described Drew as "brooding" with a "chip on his shoulder the size of Queensland." Morley’s portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics labeled Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," highlighting his resonance with the show's younger audience.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced as a supportive presence for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after her husband Flynn Saunders' passing, Brad’s storyline also involved coping with personal loss following his mother Elaine’s death. Arriving in Summer Bay amid family grief, he assumed the position of principal at Summer Bay High.

Brad’s narrative encompassed intricate relationships, including a brief marriage to Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond), who succumbed to leukaemia, alongside developing feelings for Sally. His role as principal was challenged by conflicts involving students such as Rocco Cooper and his brother Johnny. Brad faced professional jeopardy when Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece) accused him of misconduct, resulting in suspension. Despite these challenges, Brad proposed to Sally; however, she left him at the altar, prompting his exit from Summer Bay.

Significant plot points included Brad and Rachel uncovering their father Robert’s affair and discovering their half-sister Tamsyn, adding complexity to family dynamics and influencing Brad’s career after he assumed sole guardianship of Tamsyn. His support for Sally during her daughter's accident further underscored his role as a stabilizing force. Eventually, Brad chose to move to Tasmania with Heather and Tamsyn.

Sadrinna received a Best Newcomer nomination at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, along with a Best Couple nomination alongside Ritchie. The wedding episode won an Australian Writers Guild award in 2008 for its scriptwriting, while an episode featuring a storm at sea earned a Digital Spy Soap Awards nod for Best Single Episode.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, brought to life by Ian Meadows, was featured from 11 October 2006 until 6 February 2007. After receiving approval from Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) to transfer to Summer Bay High, Rocco joined despite reservations from principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna). His commitment earned him a fresh start, and upon discovering his living conditions, Sally later provided him with accommodation.

Rocco's elder sibling, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), coerced him into continuing gang involvement, threatening fatal consequences if he withdrew. Although Rocco initially aided Johnny in criminal acts, he ultimately reported him following a fabricated Credit Union heist. Once incarcerated, Johnny commanded Rocco to murder Sally; Rocco stabbed her, but she survived the attack. Johnny's intimidation persisted, culminating in a violent altercation involving Sally's foster son, Ric Dalby (Mark Furze). After sustaining severe injuries, Rocco succumbed after several days in a coma. His burial was unmarked and attended solely by Sally, Brad, and a police-escorted Johnny. Ric faced imprisonment for Rocco’s death but was freed once Johnny’s role as the mastermind was revealed.

The narrative involving Rocco stabbing Sally received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, made her first appearance on 17 October 2006. Chapnik secured the role unexpectedly and departed in 2008 to pursue opportunities in the United States. She described Sam as a deeply troubled individual "laden with self-hatred" and frequently "misunderstood," whose tragic downfall was unavoidable. Chapnik remarked that Sam's intense emotional burden made it difficult to rationalize her decisions, marking a unique challenge in her acting career. Eleven Magazine noted that Sam caused considerable disruption within Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis of the Sun-Herald characterized her as a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, debuted on 19 October and exited on 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 for his portrayal.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) appeared from 20 October 2006 through 14 April 2008. Ed Willis initially portrayed Rory before Jack Rickard assumed the role in 2007.

Introduced via his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden, Rory quickly formed a close bond with Jack, who became a paternal figure following Sam’s abduction and departure from Summer Bay. Upon her return, Rory was kidnapped by his father Shane Deeks, an escaped convict; Shane died during a police pursuit while Rory was rescued unharmed.

An academically gifted student, Rory advanced directly to Year 7 but endured bullying until Aden Jefferies intervened on his behalf in exchange for assistance rigging a school election. Following their discovery, Rory received detention. During a school excursion, he and Annie Campbell were accidentally left behind but were subsequently located.

Rory enthusiastically supported Jack and Sam’s engagement but encountered behavioral difficulties after Martha MacKenzie voiced concerns about their union. Despite these challenges, Rory gave his mother away at the wedding ceremony. The family’s stability deteriorated when Sam was assaulted by Johnny Cooper and later passed away; Rory blamed Jack and distanced himself at the funeral.

For his portrayal of Rory, Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Former follower of The Believers cult led by Mumma Rose. Robbie Hunter locates her to warn Tasha Andrews. After being abducted, she assists Tasha and Jonah in escaping, contacts authorities, then vanishes.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who bullies Rachel Armstrong, escalating to extortion. Rachel denies his advances and reports him to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart's fraud case, sentencing him to nine months imprisonment following a guilty verdict.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor involved in significant trials including those of Alf Stewart, Angelo Rosetta, Casey Braxton, and Sasha Bezmel.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital handling staff matters such as Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint and a malpractice lawsuit.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Rachel and Brad Armstrong’s estranged father; arrives as Regional Director of Emergency, requests Rachel’s testimony to prevent litigation but is refused and dismissed.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Proprietor of Moran Motors; initially disputes safety concerns with Ric Dalby, later dismisses nephew Dom for carelessness and lays off Ric as part of a plot involving illegal fights.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; suffers amnesia after a car crash caused by Robert Armstrong; succumbs to injuries from a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman under Rachel Armstrong’s care; dies due to cardiac arrest following a medication overdose caused by her grandson Charlie McKinnon.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially withdrawn, develops bonds with Rachel and Kim Hyde. After inadvertently causing his grandmother’s death, kidnaps Rachel but is subdued and institutionalized.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Pregnant student involved with science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe, initially leaves him with Rachel Armstrong before reclaiming him and departing Summer Bay.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Detective assisting in a stalking investigation; revealed to be collaborating with the stalker Eve Jacobsen. Both perish in a gas explosion at a wedding.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother; deceives Belle Taylor concerning her birth mother, later coerced into silence over family secrets in exchange for money before leaving Summer Bay.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable involved in multiple cases; blackmailed into framing Drew Curtis, subsequently charged with arson and bribery.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Adoptive father of Belle Taylor; demands money from biological grandmother Kitty Landsdowne to keep secrets but is rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot transporting key individuals to hospital after a crash leaves them stranded; serves as mediator during the emergency.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher engaged in an affair with student Lee Morton resulting in pregnancy; arrested after attempting to abduct Lee following exposure.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Acquaintance of Colleen Smart; participates in social activities including Kim Hyde’s aerobics classes and wedding events.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Surf club gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of assault for attention, leading to legal issues before confessing the truth.
3–28 August	Mel Harris	Sara Zwangobani	Counsellor at troubled teens camp aiding Matilda Hunter’s recovery from bulimia; assaulted by camper Vanessa Covacs.
3 August–27 September	Dean Silverman	Gary Brun	Meets Matilda Hunter at troubled teens camp; forms relationship with her and reconciles with partner Gareth Westwood before leaving Summer Bay.
3–10 August	Vanessa Covacs	Emma Terracini	Troubled teen at retreat exhibiting anger issues leading to suicide attempt; transferred for specialized care post-hospitalization.
18–23 August	Hal Enpace	Leigh Scully	Encourages Lucas Holden into rebellious acts such as vandalism and theft, causing damage requiring restitution.
	Lawrence	Uncredited	Associate of Hal Enpace involved in rebellious behavior alongside Lucas Holden.
21 August–15 September	Emily Armstrong	Libby Richmond	Brad Armstrong’s fiancée diagnosed with leukemia; marries Brad and passes away peacefully shortly after.
21 August–5 September	Gordon O'Neill	Andrew Tighe	Superintendent of Yabbie Creek police involved in sexual assault allegations against Kim Hyde made by his daughter Tara O’Neill; supports daughter until truth emerges.
21 August–10 October	Ella Hunter	Zoe Littler, Indya Bottomsley, Paris Steen, Matina Commes, Toby Wormer, Jack Thompson	Newborn daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter; targeted for kidnapping by cult leader Mumma Rose and Charity Fernbrook before family relocates to Boston.
28 August–27 September	Gareth Westwood	Benjamin Ronczka	Connected with Dean Silverman at troubled teens camp; revealed as Dean’s partner before they leave together.
4 September	Grace Carter	Elaine Smith	Ex-wife of Gordon O’Neill and mother of Tara O’Neill; provides testimony regarding Tara’s history of false accusations during legal proceedings against Kim Hyde.
16 October	Dennis Gillen	Danny Adcock	Criminal enemy seeking vengeance on Peter Baker over his wife’s murder; presumed dead after gunshot incident while Peter survives.
17 October–7 February 2007	Ash Nader	Ben Geurens	Police officer and friend to Jack Holden; maintains secret family life while pursuing relationship with Martha MacKenzie until exposed resulting in breakup.
30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	Joe Morton	Declan Ransley, Justin Martin, Olivia Barclay, Sayer Long, Rafferty Grierson, Cooper Brittian, Henry Lucas, Marley Cooke	Son of Lee Morton temporarily cared for by Rachel Armstrong; diagnosed with bone cancer and dies after being taken away by father Dane Smith against medical advice.
31–24 October 2008	Dane Smith	Cody Kaye	Lee Morton’s boyfriend who pressures her regarding pregnancy decisions; later returns with Joe Morton whose illness leads to tragic outcome amid custody disputes.
27 November–	Reverend	Peter Flett	Local clergyman officiating numerous weddings including Kim Hyde and Rachel Armstrong's, as well as community funerals over several years.
1 December–7 February 2007	Rianna Nader	Lotte St. Claire	Ash Nader’s wife visiting Summer Bay with children Declan and Jess; unaware of Ash’s affair until he returns home following pregnancy.
	Declan Nader	Jack Concoran
	Jessica Nader	Amy Baran

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database