Drew Howard

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, with Alison Mulvaney portraying the character. Presented through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Martha was later brought back on 27 March 2018, this time played by Belinda Giblin, who had previously appeared on the series in 1991. Ray Meagher recommended Giblin for the role, praising her as an ideal fit. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, it was revealed that Martha had survived a sailing accident in 1985, contradicting earlier assumptions of her drowning. Alf explains to their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha's disappearance was due to personal unhappiness rather than death. Her return to Summer Bay triggers a complicated process of family healing and rekindles her romantic relationship with Alf. However, Martha’s struggle with borderline personality disorder (BPD) introduces emotional challenges, including episodes of anxiety and temporary absences.

An artist by profession, Martha is mother to Roo Stewart and Kieran Baldivis, and formerly married to Alf Stewart. Initially appearing through flashbacks and diary excerpts that uncovered family secrets, she eventually comes back to Summer Bay aiming to rebuild family connections. After undergoing treatment for BPD, she renews her relationship with Alf, who proposes once more; they marry and divide their time between homes in Summer Bay and Merimbula.

Her dynamic with her son Kieran Baldivis adds further intricacy; Martha confides in local resident Irene Roberts before bringing Kieran into contact with Alf and Roo. To manage her mental health needs, she spends considerable time at her studio in Merimbula, which acts as a sanctuary.

Martha primarily resides in Merimbula now, with Alf visiting regularly to nurture their revived relationship despite ongoing personal difficulties.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her debut on 22 February 1989. Nana Coburn is the daughter of Norman Coburn, who portrayed Donald Fisher, the school headmaster. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Although Coburn initially disliked embodying an unpopular character, she later grew to appreciate the role. She appeared on a semi-regular basis until filming concluded in June 1990, valuing the consistent employment and learning opportunities. One memorable moment was a fight scene with Dannii Minogue during her final days on set.

Within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, Vicki functions as an antagonist. She bullies fellow students Carly Morris and Viv Newton and often clashes with Emma Jackson. After teacher Grant Mitchell rejects her advances, Vicki falsely accuses him of sexual misconduct, resulting in his suspension. Emma compels Vicki to admit the truth, reinstating Grant's position. Subsequently, Vicki frames Emma for stealing exam papers, which leads to Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen uncover Vicki’s manipulations by involving her cousin Anna. Faced with proof of her actions, Vicki is expelled from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher first appeared on 3 April 1989 and was originally portrayed by Jane Hall as the daughter of principal Donald Fisher. During a visit to Summer Bay, she becomes romantically involved with Steven Matheson. The producers noted strong chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated periodic returns for Rebecca’s character. In 1994, Danielle Carter took over the role for a seven-week period. Two years later, Belinda Emmett assumed the role and received nominations for several Logie Awards: Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), as well as the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, brought to life by Emily Symons, made her debut on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but returned to the role from 1995 until 1999. Although Dannii Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn, she was ultimately cast as Emma Jackson, with Symons securing the part of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is characterized as a "cheerful" and "air-headed blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart first appeared on 14 June 1989, portrayed by Brendan McKensy. His acting earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, played by Mat Stevenson, entered the series on 28 June 1989. Prior to this, Stevenson had a role in the competing soap Neighbours as the petty criminal Skinner. He moved from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role. Stevenson left the show in 1994, describing Adam as a "loafer" who occasionally displays kindness but generally prefers a relaxed lifestyle over responsibility. He also noted that Adam's personality contrasts with his own more conscientious nature. An Inside Soap columnist described Adam as a "former prankster" and "carefree." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 and expressed enthusiasm about possibly rejoining full-time, appreciating the comfort of the character.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, made her first appearance on 5 July 1989 and exited on 25 May 1990. Phillips started filming soon after Justine Clarke's departure from the series. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned her preference for staying active during filming, often causing crew members to look for her when she was off-script.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, enacted by Dannii Minogue, debuted on 22 September 1989 and left on 22 August 1990. Minogue had initially tried out for Marilyn Chambers but was cast as Emma instead, staying for one year before focusing on her music career in 1990. Although there were rumors about her returning for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, this did not come to pass. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Her portrayal contributed to her being named among Home and Away’s "Sexiest girls ever" by Holy Soap.

Others

26 October–15 November|||Rory Heywood||| Gregor Jordan||| Arrives under false pretenses seeking Fletchers; irritates locals before dying from shark attack prompting shark capture efforts led by Adam Cameron.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les, Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé, appears in flashbacks set in 1970 where their engagement party ends abruptly due to his death in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin; conspires with Stacey’s father to acquire the caravan park; frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters and assaults Stacey before intervention by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, Alison Patterson’s younger sister, attends Summer Bay Primary School; she discovers Morag Bellingham's memoir manuscript and challenges local folklore alongside Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades; they separate following revelations about Morag’s secret maternity; he cautions niece Roo against Morag.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag's secret; manipulates Celia Stewart for information; returns exploiting Rory Heywood’s shark death and persuades Lance Smart to provide false testimony.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble after etiquette lessons from Celia Stewart; struggles with illiteracy; eventually leaves Martin for her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting addressing concerns about a local killer shark.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble’s mother, appears during a family dinner arranged to temper Leanne Dunn’s expectations.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Brother of Martin Dibble, attending family dinner.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Another brother of Martin Dibble present at family dinner.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who supports her at Blaxland mansion; develops unreciprocated affection for Celia Stewart before resigning.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson regarding a novel and Morag's maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend who physically confronts Martin Dibble; Leanne departs with him despite Martin’s feelings.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge arrives as a troublesome foster child responsible for arson causing Philip Matheson’s death; after imprisonment, returns in 1995 seeking revenge by framing Steven Matheson and kidnapping Kelly Watson; presumed dead following cliffside confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict working at Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart; framed for arson by Steven Matheson and Dodge Forbes; leaves town after bail release.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley seeking reconciliation prior to his death; leaves Andrew an inheritance along with an apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Representative from Department of Childcare Services overseeing foster care placements and investigating allegations involving the Newton family; revokes Viv Newton’s guardianship during Donald Fisher’s murder charge but reinstates it after exoneration.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart's inflated claim following store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor involved in Macklin development initially hesitant due to Frank Morgan's background but convinced by Martin Dibble.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Spouse of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Laborer employed by Macklin corporation participating in strike resolved through Roo Stewart's negotiation; aids in rescuing Marilyn Chambers during attention-seeking incident.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Temporary motivational speaker managing Macklin development office energizing staff except Roo Stewart amid Alf Stewart's disappearance.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Stacey Macklin's friend who forms band Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; leaves for promotion job in Los Angeles inviting Stacey later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman assisting Viv Newton during her period living rough.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer interrogating Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car accident later blamed on Steven Matheson.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father to Viv and Tammy Newton; his mistreatment leads social services intervention resulting in custody battles and eventual relinquishment of custody.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton manipulated by their father John; reunites with mother Angela Newton and relocates to Queensland alongside Viv.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson's uncle and local council member who secures Matt a beach inspector role but resigns due to health issues.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s Youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody but withdraws when Sally opts to remain with Fletchers as guardians.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Ross Keating's wife and Sally Keating’s aunt unable to have children; supports Sally before she decides to stay with Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter’s father demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell after false molestation allegations later retracted by Vicki.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of man imprisoned due to Morag Bellingham’s sentencing; infiltrates Morag's life under false pretenses seeking revenge but flees following psychotic episode intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in investigations including Andrew Foley trespassing, arrests of Shane Parrish and Sally Fletcher, responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane's death; confesses leading to suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor coordinating Tom Fletcher's transfer after heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City physician diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for mythical Summer Bay Bunyip; departs upon discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her, revealing previously unknown family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron but strands him on island after abandoning group under false pretense.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble's offer is declined.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife attending Stewart store during council action shutting down Martin Dibble’s hot dog stand business.

30 October–2 November | Mick, friend of Andrew Foley | Bruce Samazan | Drug user staying with Andrew and Stacey Macklin causing conflict over missing ring before leaving after property damage. 31 October | Chas, friend of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble | Richard Huggett | Plays pool against Mick who hustles him out of money; warns friends about Mick's skills. 17 November | Rosemary White, Rory Heywood's sister | Zoe Bertram | Reveals Rory's true identity (Colin) following his death. 21 November 1989–22 January 1990 | Zac Burgess, shark hunter | Mark Conroy | Hired to capture shark responsible for Rory Heywood's death; demands high fees, exposes illegal dumping attracting sharks, makes unwanted advances causing community tension before departing after confrontation. 12 December | Drew Howard, game show producer | Ignatius Jones | Producer attempting to embarrass Marilyn Chambers on national television but is outsmarted when Marilyn reverses situation.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away portal
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database