Donna De Bono
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television drama, Soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation lists characters introduced throughout 2009, organized by their initial appearance, all under the direction of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Early in the year, the characters Gina and Hugo Austin were introduced in January; February brought in Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. In March, new additions included Liam Murphy and John Palmer, followed by the arrivals of Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner in April. The character May Stone appeared in June. July featured the birth of Harry Holden alongside the introduction of the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. August saw the debut of Detective Robert Robertson, with Romeo Smith joining the cast in September.
Gina Austin
Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and departed on 18 April 2013. According to the official series website, Gina is depicted as a dedicated mother who acknowledges previous errors concerning her eldest and youngest sons but strives to progress without dwelling on regret. Industry insiders describe her as a down-to-earth, caring woman who consistently places her family’s needs above her own ambitions. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s role as a mother managing relationships with three sons is central to her portrayal.
Hugo Austin
Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, appeared initially on 27 January 2009, exited on 26 January 2010, returned briefly on 6 May 2010, and left again on 9 June 2010. Curry, recognized for his earlier role in Neighbours, expressed enthusiasm about joining Home and Away, praising the character’s depth and the enjoyable working environment. Hugo is described as an outdoors enthusiast with a physically fit look.
Robert Cruze
Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, debuted on 1 February 2009. Robbo works alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins on a boat and antagonizes Joey due to her sexual orientation. His harassment escalates into sexual assault, which Joey initially keeps secret but eventually reports. Despite Robbo’s denial and involvement from his former partner Tanya Gannon in the investigation, he assaults Joey again and attempts to drown her before being apprehended. He faces charges following these events and does not return to the series.
Trey Palmer
Trey Palmer, brought to life by Luke Bracey, first appeared on 9 February 2009. Though described as having an innocent appearance, Trey quickly gained a reputation for troublesome conduct that attracted considerable audience attention. He established himself as a disruptive figure targeting characters such as Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin. A significant storyline involved Trey filming a sexual encounter with Nicole, which was subsequently leaked—drawing parallels to a real-life controversy involving actor Lincoln Lewis.
Introduced as a schoolboy bully, Trey antagonizes local youths including Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) and frequently clashes with school staff. His ongoing conflict with Geoff Campbell is notable, alongside his strained relationship with his stepfather, John Palmer. Beneath his hostile exterior lies vulnerability stemming from a troubled family background. Trey develops an unreturned affection for Kirsty, intensifying his rivalry with Miles Copeland.
In an effort to redeem himself socially, Trey initiates a relationship with Nicole Franklin. Their involvement leads to the contentious sex tape incident when Trey releases it deliberately to harm Nicole’s reputation. His misconduct escalates further when he seizes control of a school bus during an excursion and reveals he has planted an explosive device. The resulting blast severely injures Hugo Austin, culminating in Trey's arrest on charges of attempted murder.
Freya Duric
Freya Duric, portrayed by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.
In 2009, Home and Away featured two lesbian narratives, one of which involved Freya sharing a kiss with Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), leading to viewer complaints. James described their relationship, noting that Freya embodies Nicole's untamed side, causing Nicole to confront her own dullness. Freya arrives with the intention of reigniting a romance with Xavier Austin but encounters opposition due to his relationship with Ruby Buckton. Despite Gina’s cautions, Freya seduces Xavier and causes upheaval in the community. She introduces drugs into Summer Bay High, coercing Xavier into dealing them. After an argument with Nicole, Freya kisses her in public to demonstrate she is not dull, which irritates Geoff who suspects ulterior motives. Later, Freya kisses Hugo, Xavier’s brother, unaware that Xavier witnesses the act. The fallout leads Hugo to end their relationship, and Freya departs swiftly.
Joey Collins
Joey Collins, brought to life by Kate Bell, first appeared on 12 February 2009.
The producers created Joey’s character to explore a lesbian storyline involving Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) aimed at enhancing viewership. Over the course of five weeks, their bond deepens from friendship into romance, including intimate moments. Executive producer Cameron Welsh highlighted Joey’s favorable reception and hinted at a possible return.
Joey works alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze on a boat, where Robbo subjects her to harassment. After Robbo pushes her into the water and later sexually assaults her, Joey confides in Aden. Although she attempts to report the assault, Robbo denies the accusations and initially receives limited support. When Robbo tries to drown Joey, Charlie intervenes, resulting in Robbo’s arrest and the commencement of Charlie and Joey’s secret relationship.
Their romance encounters homophobic opposition within the community. Charlie grapples with her sexual identity and workplace stress, while Joey faces persistent difficulties. Ultimately, Joey leaves tearfully for another job as the relationship becomes strained.
Liam Murphy
Liam Murphy, played by Axle Whitehead, debuted on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and presenter, won the role through auditioning; originally the character was intended for only fifteen episodes. Whitehead described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and drew from personal experience to portray Liam’s struggles with drug abuse.
Brendan Austin
Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, first appeared on 25 March 2009. Cast after working alongside current cast members, Brendan was introduced following the arrival of the Austin family. His autism created tension between his brothers Xavier and Hugo.
Brendan comes to Summer Bay with his mother Gina to live with family members. Xavier had been caring for him previously, which caused conflict with Hugo. Brendan experienced difficulty fitting in socially until Ruby Buckton, Xavier’s girlfriend, encouraged him to participate more actively. While under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan ran away several times; on one occasion he threw a brick through Roman Harris's car window, causing an accident that resulted in Roman losing his sight. Although Xavier initially took responsibility for the incident, the truth surfaced; Roman chose not to press charges due to Brendan’s condition. Brendan’s fear of blue cars is linked to witnessing an accident involving Hugo in the past.
Brendan claimed he had a girlfriend named Ruby Leeds who has Down syndrome; this often caused confusion with Ruby Buckton because of their shared first name. Gina was hesitant about Brendan transitioning to sheltered housing but was eventually convinced. When Xavier fell unconscious in water, Brendan—despite being a weak swimmer—rescued him unexpectedly, leading Gina to approve Brendan moving closer to Ruby Leeds. Brendan later mistakenly attended what he believed was Hugo's funeral; however, Hugo was still alive. After Gina’s death in 2013, it was noted that Brendan did not attend her funeral due to emotional distress.
John Palmer
John Palmer, played by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, who was previously recognized for his role in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. John's character is depicted as a "strict father" figure and an active member of the surf lifesaving club.
Claudia Hammond
Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, was introduced on 10 April 2009. She becomes romantically involved with Geoff Campbell and later reveals she is expecting a child. Their storyline features a caravan fire following their first night together, with Geoff, known for his religious beliefs, interpreting the event as divine punishment. Series producer Cameron Welsh described the pregnancy narrative as having multiple layers, including Claudia's deception about the baby's paternity.
Claudia arrives to assist on Geoff's farm, where she develops romantic feelings leading to a relationship. After the caravan fire, Lachie returns and accuses Geoff of causing it; Claudia then announces her pregnancy but initially denies Lachie as the father. Lachie's efforts to rekindle their relationship prove unsuccessful.
As conflicts intensify between Geoff and Lachie, a brutal football tackle leaves Lachie seemingly paralyzed. Overcome with guilt, Claudia confesses that Lachie is the father. Geoff responds with anger and expels her from his life. Lachie's aggressive behavior persists, prompting Claudia to bar him from seeing their child. Ultimately, she chooses to relocate to live with her cousin in Dubbo, distancing herself from both men.
Lachie Cladwell
Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond's former boyfriend (Alexandra Park), involved in an on-and-off relationship lasting around six months. Claudia develops feelings for Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis), and Lachie's unexpected return aims to win her back; however, he soon agrees to step away. When Claudia announces her pregnancy and initially denies Lachie’s paternity, tensions rise with Geoff. Following a rugby accident that leaves Lachie hospitalized and potentially paralyzed, Claudia admits he is the father. Lachie's anger strains their connection; despite his desire to build a family with Claudia, she rejects him and departs Summer Bay.
The Daily Record highlighted Geoff’s frustration culminating in an outburst directed at Lachie during this plotline.
David Gardiner
David "Gardy" Gardiner, played by Jeremy Sims, appeared between 13 May and 10 June 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald commended Sims for delivering a believable performance portraying Gardy as "genuinely creepy" in his manipulative interactions with Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby). The Daily Record described him as a charming yet villainous character.
Gardy infiltrates Roman’s household, unsettling both Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Despite Roman’s recent blindness, he allows Gardy to stay, but Gardy’s presence sparks conflicts including a large-scale fight involving local residents. He attempts dangerous methods to restore Roman’s sight and later coerces Roman into robbing a liquor store, which causes an elderly woman to suffer a heart attack.
After Nicole rejects Gardy’s advances and informs Roman of his behavior, Gardy threatens to implicate Roman in the robbery. His criminal activities escalate when he robs the Palmer residence and takes hostages. Gardy blackmails Roman over a wartime shooting incident and orchestrates a warehouse heist in Mangrove River. During this event, Gardy shoots Roman, triggering a shootout involving multiple characters. Although wounded and subdued by Roman, Gardy escapes into a creek and vanishes from the storyline.
May Stone
May Stone, brought to life by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a newly appointed teacher at Summer Bay High. She soon begins a romantic involvement with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly still involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, explained that although Charlie partly intended to stir trouble, Angelo remained drawn to her, resulting in an intimate encounter. The Daily Record remarked that Angelo might have shown greater sensitivity toward May, who was visibly upset after their relationship ended.
May adapts to life in Summer Bay and embarks on a relationship with Angelo. When Angelo realizes his feelings for Charlie persist, he initially conceals their ongoing affair but eventually admits the truth to May. Feeling betrayed, May chooses to resign from her teaching position and promptly leaves the town.
Harry Holden
Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by several child actors over time, first appeared on 30 July 2009. He is the son of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel finds it difficult to manage Harry’s incessant crying and experiences isolation. At one point, she contemplates smothering him but ultimately reaches out for assistance. Following a false accusation by Jane Avent, who claims Rachel is unfit and abducts Harry, a police search ensues. Harry is safely recovered and returned to his parents. In August 2010, Harry relocates with his family to Boston, USA, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before departing.
Sid Walker
Sid Walker, enacted by Robert Mammone, debuted on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to positive audience feedback, Sid along with Indigo and Dexter were brought back as permanent characters in June 2010.
Dexter Walker
Dexter Walker, originally portrayed by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, was recast with Charles Cottier when the character was reintroduced in 2010. Cottier highlighted that his interpretation differed notably from the original portrayal. One significant early plotline featured Dexter’s romantic involvement with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both challenging and distinctive given the considerable age gap between the characters.
Indigo Walker
Indigo Walker, played 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 unit within Home and Away. After their initial departure in September 2009, they returned in June 2010. Weaving noted that balancing her commitments during their return was manageable.
Robert Robertson
Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, was introduced on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder investigation storyline, Robertson was designed to bring humor into the show’s darker narrative elements. Walker described him as a "chameleon" detective whose peculiar traits and distinctive humor helped balance serious themes with vitality and wit. Otto drew upon his comedic background and inspiration from eccentric detective figures for this role, calling it "one of the most remarkable parts" he has undertaken. The Daily Record referred to Robertson as "ruthless," emphasizing his strong presence compared to other characters.
Robertson is a police detective assigned to Summer Bay to investigate the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) biological father. He initially suspects Ruby's mother, Charlie, arresting her before discovering that Charlie's father Ross (David Downer) is actually responsible. An eccentric yet effective officer, Robertson briefly pursues a romantic interest in Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), who ultimately turns down his advances.
He later returns to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), working alongside Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill) and focusing suspicion on Alf as the main suspect. Despite multiple arrests, Robertson fails to obtain sufficient evidence against Alf. He renews his interest in Leah, who rejects him due to unresolved feelings for her former partner. Robertson pressures Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into implicating Alf, resulting in Alf’s arrest; however, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) exposes Will’s dishonesty, leading Robertson to release Alf and charge Will instead. Struggling with these setbacks professionally, Robertson confides in Leah about losing his sense of self; she reassures him that errors are part of being human. Offered a promotion involving relocation to the city, he invites Leah and her son to join him, but she declines the offer.
Romeo Smith
Romeo Smith, brought to life by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell obtained the part after moving to Sydney while unemployed. Romeo is depicted as charming, mischievous, humorous, and courteous. His fictional family comprises sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). After his relationship with Annie Campbell, Romeo's notable romantic involvement is with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 January | Bank manager | Christopher Saunders | Detects Bridget Simmons' unauthorized attempt to access Leah Patterson-Baker's account and informs Leah. |
| 30 January–6 October | Don Gibson | Steve Anderson | Collaborates with Aden on the boat; involved in illicit abalone harvesting. Arrested by Angelo; tries to implicate Aden but discloses information about Hugo. |
| 2–6 February | Steve Hogan | Damien Freeglass | Temporary police constable conducting investigations in Summer Bay. |
| 3 February | Lawyer | Blair Cutting | Legal counsel representing Angelo Rosetta. |
| 4 February–25 January 2010 | Lou De Bono | David Roberts | Dates Irene Roberts; dies at sea, leading to Irene’s false accusation. |
| 9–10 February | Archie Maddock | Tim Phillipps | Homeless individual who protects Melody Jones from danger and helps find her. |
| 10 February | Thug | Zen Ledden | Assaults Melody Jones and Archie Maddock. |
| 19 February | Mryll Ramsay | Kim Hillas | Initially declines an interview to safeguard her aged care facility; convinced by Melody. |
| 19–25 February | Audrey Long | Wendy Playfair | Grandmother of Melody Jones; passes away due to a stroke. |
| 3–19 March | George | Benjamin O'Donnell | Engages in speed dating; briefly connects with Leah before she chooses Roman. |
| 9 March–29 July | Brett Collins | Toby Levins | Joey Collins' elder brother; initially struggles with her sexuality but later reconciles following family disputes. |
| 16 March–26 January 2010 | Derrick Quaid | John Atkinson | Survivor of a shipwreck involved in human smuggling with Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; apprehended after violent incidents. |
| 19 March–13 November | Jerry Thibault | Nicholas Cassim | Employer at the newspaper for Belle Taylor; engages in an affair with Paula Gill, impacting workplace relations. |
| 19 March | Tanya Gannon | Hayley McCarthy | Robert Cruze's former partner who files a complaint against him; suffers a hit-and-run upon arriving in Summer Bay. |
| 20 March | Paula Gill | Paula Arundell | Colleague of Belle who has an affair with Jerry, resulting in her promotion and bullying of Belle. |
| 23 March–23 November | Donna De Bono | Suzie MacKenzie | Estranged spouse of Lou De Bono; accuses Irene of Lou's death and encourages her drinking habits. |
| 23 April | Chelsea Murphy | Georgia Gorman | Wife of Liam Murphy; their marriage deteriorates due to his drug addiction, culminating in divorce and relocation 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 into sabotaging Geoff Campbell’s career under threat of removal from the team. |
| 14 July–18 August | Jane Avent | Felicity Price | Mother mourning a stillborn child; blames Rachel Armstrong, harasses her, then abducts Rachel’s son Harry before seeking assistance. |
| 14 July–18 August | Rex Avent | Sandy Winton | Jane Avent’s husband; initially supports her but acknowledges she requires help following the kidnapping incident. |
| 14 July–26 January 2010 | 'Wayan Rahardjo' | 'Dorje Swallow' | 'Hospital patient with limited English proficiency; connected to Hugo Austin’s illegal dealings and used by Angelo for investigative purposes.' |
| 20–21 July | 'Paul' | 'Thomas Norrie' | 'Minor role as an extra in Summer Bay.' |
| 23 July–18 August | 'Squirt' | 'Ben Davy-Thorburn' | 'Friend and coworker of Aden Jefferies; attends Aden’s stag party.' |
| 29 July-27 November | 'Marine Officer Bryant' | 'Michael Sutherland' | 'Water police officer aiding Angelo Rosetta in uncovering human trafficking activities.' |
| 30 July–17 August 2011 | 'Jody Walker' | 'Victoria Haralabidou' | 'Sid Walker’s spouse who attempts reconciliation for family unity but departs following infidelity.' |
| 20 August | 'Michelle' | 'Michelle Pettigrove' | 'Charlie Buckton’s aunt who provides crucial information regarding Charlie’s daughter Ruby.' |
| 24 August–8 July 2010 | 'Therese' | 'Rose Ashton' | 'Nurse at Northern Districts Hospital involved in a brief romantic relationship with Dr. Sid Walker, causing workplace tension.' |
| 28 August–11 September | 'Andy McLeod' | 'Paul Winchester' | 'Parent group acquaintance offering parenting guidance to Rachel Armstrong; relationship concerns emerge.' |
| 'Sophia McLeod' | 'Madeline Andrews' | 'Andy’s daughter diagnosed by Rachel Armstrong with a hearing impairment.' | |
| 1–16 September | 'Grant Bledcoe' | 'Clayton Watson' | 'Ruby’s biological father accused by Charlie Buckton of prior rape; later found murdered with Charlie initially suspected.' |
| 8 September | 'Tracey Bledcoe' | 'Mary Anne Byrne' | 'Wife of Grant Bledcoe confronted about allegations against her husband.' |
| 15 September–1 March 2012 | 'Patrick Avery' | 'Clayton Williams' | 'Police constable involved in multiple cases including bailing Sid Walker on assault charges.' |
| 18–22 September | 'Ruby Leeds' | 'Tracie Sammmut' | 'Girlfriend of Brendan advocating for his independence through sheltered housing.' |
| 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 Martha MacKenzie on the farm and is used as bait in human trafficking investigations.' |
| 3 October–26 January 2010 | 'Suzy Sudiro' | 'Tasneem Roc' | 'Hugo Austin's ex-wife involved in illegal immigrant smuggling; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom before being subdued.' |
| ' rowspan=2 style=white-space:nowrap;'6–17 November | 'Riley Radcliffe' | 'Tani Edgecombe' | 'School bully targeting VJ Patterson; involved in an incident leading to police involvement.' |
| 'Ian Radcliffe' | 'Ben Simpson' | 'Riley’s father who attempts to conceal his son’s behavior through intimidation and false allegations.' | |
| 9–24 November | 'Poppie Merrin' | 'Elouise Blair' | "Participant in a false rumor about Liam Murphy that leads to his breakup and drug possession arrest." |
| 17–24 November | 'Reg Merrin' | 'Dane Carson' | "Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies and fires him following a staged scandal involving his daughter Catie." |
| scope=row rowspan=2 style=white-space:nowrap;'18–24 November | 'Catie Merrin' | 'Tess Haubrich' | "Manipulates situations involving Aden Jefferies and Nicole Franklin, resulting in Aden's dismissal." |
| '19–23 November | 'Orson Cardillo' | 'Mark Lee' | "Gardener for Donna De Bono indirectly involved in framing incidents; suffers a heart attack under suspicious circumstances." |
| '20 November | "Bonita Cardillo" | "Suzi Dougherty" | "Orson's wife who defends him during investigations." |
| '25 November–18 February 2010 | "Hazem Kassir" | "Ben Kermode" | "Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; victim of racially motivated assault causing paralysis and eventual breakup." |
| '26 November | "Prison Guard" | "Joe Tarena" | "On duty during Derrick Quaid's escape from custody." |