Freya Duric

Home and Away
Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section outlines characters introduced in 2009 during the tenure of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season ran from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Initial arrivals in January included Gina and Hugo Austin. February saw the introduction of Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. March welcomed Liam Murphy and John Palmer, followed by Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner in April. In June, May Stone was added to the cast. July featured the birth of Harry Holden alongside the introduction of the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. Detective Robert Robertson appeared in August, with Romeo Smith arriving in September.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and remained until 18 April 2013. The official show description portrays Gina as a loving mother who faces numerous struggles with her sons but maintains a strong, nurturing presence. Actress Todd emphasizes Gina’s role as a mother to three boys as central to her identity, highlighting her unwavering commitment despite personal hardships. This portrayal reinforces the series’ focus on family-oriented narratives that resonate with its viewers.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, debuted alongside Gina on 27 January 2009. He exited on 26 January 2010 but returned briefly from 6 May to 9 June 2010. Curry, who previously appeared on rival soap Neighbours, described his role on Home and Away as both challenging and fulfilling. Hugo is depicted as an active, outdoors-loving individual with a well-maintained physique and sun-kissed complexion.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, first appeared on screen on 1 February 2009. Robbo is employed on a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, frequently harassing Joey due to her sexual orientation. His antagonism escalates into sexual assault, which Joey initially conceals out of fear but later reports. Despite Robbo’s denials and interference from his ex-girlfriend Tanya Gannon—who is fatally struck by a vehicle—Joey pursues legal action. Following an attempted attack on Joey in retaliation, Robbo is apprehended by Charlie, charged, and subsequently written out of the series.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, portrayed by Luke Bracey, first appeared on 9 February 2009. Characterized as possessing "an angelic appearance" paired with "mischievous tendencies," Trey's entry garnered significant audience attention. He is known for creating conflict, particularly targeting characters such as Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin. A prominent storyline involved Trey recording a sex tape with Nicole that was later leaked, mirroring a real-life incident involving Lincoln Lewis.

Introduced as a disruptive student at Summer Bay High, Trey bullies several locals including Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) and frequently clashes with faculty members. He develops animosity towards Geoff Campbell and harbors resentment toward his stepfather, John Palmer. Despite this, he makes some progress with Kirsty’s assistance but faces rejection, which leads to further tension.

Subsequently, Trey becomes romantically involved with Nicole Franklin; they engage in a relationship culminating in sexual activity. They record a private video together, which Trey later leaks as an act of revenge, causing Nicole public embarrassment. His behavior escalates dangerously when he seizes control of a school bus during an excursion and detonates an explosive device planted underneath it. The blast severely injures Hugo Austin. Trey is arrested on charges of attempted murder.

Freya Duric

Freya Duric, played by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.

In 2009, the series explored two lesbian narratives, one of which involved Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya, whose kiss generated viewer complaints. James explained that Freya embodies a wilder aspect of Nicole's personality, which forms the basis of their connection. Freya’s kiss serves to express her attraction and prompts Nicole to recognize that she has become dull.

Freya arrives with the intention of rekindling her relationship with Xavier Austin. Although Xavier initially resists due to his involvement with Ruby Buckton, Freya successfully seduces him and causes disruption in Summer Bay. She becomes involved in drug dealing, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After a confrontation with Nicole, Freya kisses her openly to demonstrate that Nicole is not as boring as she believes, frustrating Geoff who suspects manipulation. Freya exploits Xavier for personal gain but soon loses interest and kisses his brother Hugo, unaware that Xavier witnesses this. Following a breakup with Hugo, Freya departs from town abruptly.

Joey Collins

Joey Collins, portrayed by Kate Bell, first appeared on 12 February 2009.

The character Joey was introduced to develop a lesbian storyline involving Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) intended to enhance viewership. Over the course of five weeks, their relationship evolves from friendship to romance, including intimate scenes. Executive producer Cameron Welsh highlighted Joey’s popularity and hinted at a possible return.

Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who harasses her and ultimately sexually assaults her, threatening her not to report him. She confides in Aden and Belle Taylor, who encourage her to take action against Robbo. Despite initial skepticism from her brother Brett and denials from Robbo, evidence accumulates after Robbo’s ex lodges a complaint but is then involved in a hit-and-run incident. Robbo attempts to drown Joey but is interrupted by Charlie and subsequently arrested.

Charlie and Joey begin a covert relationship that eventually becomes public, triggering homophobic reactions within the community. Charlie experiences internal conflict regarding her sexuality alongside professional pressures, creating strain between them. Ultimately, Joey leaves after an emotional farewell with Charlie.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, enacted by Axle Whitehead, was introduced on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and presenter, earned the role through auditioning; Liam was originally intended for fifteen episodes. Whitehead described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and drew upon his own experiences to portray the character’s struggles with drug use.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, debuted on 25 March 2009. Cast after collaborating with other actors from the show, Brendan was introduced following the arrival of the Austin family. The character has a developmental disability that causes friction between his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan comes to Summer Bay accompanied by his mother and is revealed to have autism. Xavier had primarily cared for him previously, leading to conflicts among siblings. Brendan initially faces social challenges but improves through support from Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton. After escaping from Martha MacKenzie’s care, Brendan causes a severe car accident by throwing a brick at Roman Harris’s vehicle, resulting in Roman losing his sight. Roman opts not to press charges due to understanding Brendan’s limited responsibility. Brendan’s fear of blue cars is linked to witnessing an accident that injured Hugo and killed his girlfriend.

Later, Brendan introduces Ruby Leeds, his girlfriend who has Down syndrome, clarifying confusion with Ruby Buckton’s identity. He expresses a wish for independent living; although Gina initially resists this idea, she later supports it after Brendan saves Xavier from drowning. Brendan briefly returns believing Hugo has died; however, it turns out to be a false alarm. Following Gina’s death in 2013, Brendan did not attend her funeral due to emotional distress.

John Palmer

John Palmer, brought to life by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, recognized for his earlier work on A Country Practice, joined the cast of Home and Away in a recurring capacity. His character is portrayed as a "strict father" figure and an active member of the surf lifesaving community.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, entered the series on 10 April 2009. She embarks on a romantic relationship with Geoff Campbell and later reveals her pregnancy. Their narrative includes a critical moment where they become trapped in a caravan fire after an intimate encounter, bringing to light Geoff's internal struggle with his religious beliefs regarding their actions.

Producer Cameron Welsh highlighted the complexity of Claudia’s pregnancy storyline, which involves deceit about the paternity of her child. After Lachie suffers an injury caused by Geoff, Claudia experiences deep remorse over the circumstances. Lincoln Lewis, who plays Geoff, remarked that Claudia’s involvement contributed to his character’s growth.

Claudia collaborates with Geoff on farm duties, fostering emotions that develop into dating and intimacy. Following the fire incident, Lachie holds Geoff responsible for his injury. Initially, Claudia asserts that Geoff is the father of her baby but later confesses to Lachie being the actual father after feeling guilty. Geoff responds with anger and expels her from his life.

As conflict intensifies between Geoff and Lachie, Lachie’s violent tendencies increase, culminating in abusive behavior towards Claudia. She refuses Lachie’s attempts at reconciliation and denies him access to their child before relocating to live with her cousin in Dubbo, thereby distancing herself from both men.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, played by Jackson Heywood, made his debut on 4 May 2009. He is the former boyfriend of Claudia Hammond (Alexandra Park) and shares a turbulent six-month on-and-off relationship with her. Lachie attempts to reclaim Claudia’s affection after she becomes involved with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis), but eventually agrees to leave her alone. When Claudia announces her pregnancy—initially denying that Lachie is the father—tensions flare between Geoff and Lachie, culminating in a rugby match where Lachie sustains serious injuries leading to hospitalization and potential paralysis. Claudia then admits that Lachie is the father, prompting Geoff to expel her. Despite his initial anger, Lachie hopes to build a family with Claudia; however, she ultimately rejects him and departs Summer Bay.

The Daily Record observed that usually even-tempered Geoff vents his frustration toward Lachie following a series of unfortunate events.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, portrayed by Jeremy Sims, appeared from 13 May until 10 June 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald praised Sims for delivering a compelling and unsettling portrayal of Gardy, who is characterized as a cunning antagonist. The Daily Record described him as a "villain" despite his charismatic demeanor.

Gardy infiltrates the household of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), a blind military friend, intimidating Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her companion Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). After engaging in a physical altercation involving John Palmer (Shane Withington) and others, Gardy undertakes dangerous stunts intended to aid Roman’s recovery of sight. Once Roman regains some vision, Gardy pressures him into participating in a liquor store robbery that results in moral turmoil when an elderly woman suffers a heart attack.

Following Nicole’s rejection of Gardy’s advances and his threats to implicate Roman in the robbery, Gardy escalates by robbing the Palmer residence and taking Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. Roman intervenes but covers up for Gardy. It is revealed that Gardy is blackmailing Roman over a prior military incident involving a fatal shooting.

Gardy orchestrates a warehouse heist in Mangrove River; when law enforcement arrives, he assaults Roman and threatens Nicole. During the robbery, Gardy plans to eliminate witnesses but Roman resists and is shot. A gunfight ensues; Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) attempts to intervene but is unsuccessful. Ultimately, Roman wounds Gardy, who escapes injured into a creek and vanishes.

May Stone

May Stone, played by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She soon enters a romantic relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, explained that Charlie's behavior was not meant to harm May, despite the complications it caused. The Daily Record criticized Angelo for lacking sensitivity, as May appeared deeply upset after their separation.

May adapts to her teaching role and life in Summer Bay, capturing Angelo’s attention. Their romance begins, but Angelo’s lingering feelings for Charlie lead him to have an affair with her. Although he initially hides this from May, Angelo admits the truth as their relationship intensifies. Following this disclosure, May chooses to resign from her position and promptly leave Summer Bay.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by several child actors, first appeared on 30 July 2009. He is the son of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel faces difficulties bonding due to Harry’s incessant crying and briefly considers smothering him before seeking assistance. Tensions arise when Jane Avent accuses Rachel of being an unfit mother and kidnaps Harry, triggering a police manhunt. Jane’s husband Rex is stunned by the abduction. Ultimately, Harry is safely returned to his parents.

In August 2010, Harry moves to Boston with Rachel and Tony, pausing briefly at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before leaving.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, enacted by Robert Mammone, debuted on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to positive audience response, Sid along with Indigo and Dexter returned as regular characters in June 2010.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, originally portrayed by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, was recast in 2010 with Charles Cottier assuming the role. Cottier acknowledged the character’s development and deliberately avoided viewing Green’s performance. A key plotline involved Dexter’s romantic involvement with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both thrilling and uncomfortable because of their notable age gap.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, played by Samara Weaving, debuted on 30 July 2009 as part of the newly introduced Walker family—Sid, Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), Dexter, and Indigo. The family departed in September 2009 but returned in June 2010. Weaving noted that during the return she found a better balance between acting commitments and her education.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, first appeared on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder-related storyline, Robertson was intended to inject humor into dark material by combining wit and energy. Walker highlighted Robertson’s chameleon-like skill in engaging various characters through deception and uncovering truths. Otto utilized his comedic background and drew inspiration from quirky detective dramas, calling the role one of his most remarkable experiences. The Daily Record labeled Robertson as "ruthless," emphasizing his significant presence relative to other figures.

As a detective, Robertson arrives in Summer Bay investigating the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) biological father. He initially suspects Ruby’s mother Charlie and arrests her until Charlie’s father Ross confesses to the crime. Despite his eccentric personality and penchant for tall tales, Robertson proves effective in his duties. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), though she declines to pursue a relationship.

Robertson returns to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), working alongside Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill) while focusing suspicion on Alf. After several arrests and failed attempts to secure a confession, he again courts Leah, who rejects him due to unresolved feelings for her former partner. Pressuring Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into implicating Alf results in Alf's detention; however, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) challenges the evidence. Will is exposed as dishonest, forcing Robertson to release Alf and charge Will instead. Troubled by this outcome, Robertson confides in Leah about feeling he has lost himself; she comforts him by reminding him that errors are part of being human. Offered a promotion requiring relocation, he invites Leah and her son to join him, but Leah declines.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, brought to life by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed the part after moving to Sydney without employment. Romeo is depicted as charming, mischievous, humorous, and courteous. His on-screen family includes sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). His main romantic arc centers around his relationship with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Additional Characters

23 April | Chelsea Murphy | Georgia Gorman | Wife of Liam Murphy; involved in public disputes related to Liam’s drug problems; divorces and moves to Paris with 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 undermining Geoff Campbell’s career. 14 July–18 August | Jane Avent | Felicity Price | Holds Dr. Rachel Armstrong responsible for stillbirth and kidnaps Rachel’s son amid grief-driven harassment. 14 July–18 August | Rex Avent | Sandy Winton | Supports Jane Avent despite child loss; recognizes Jane’s need for help post-kidnapping incident. 14 July–26 January 2010 | Wayan Rahardjo | Dorje Swallow | Hospital patient connected to Hugo Austin; utilized by Angelo Rosetta during smuggling investigations. 20–21 July | Paul | Thomas Norrie | Minor background character appearance. 23 July–18 August | Squirt | Ben Davy-Thorburn | Aden Jefferies’ friend and colleague; attends his stag party. 29 July-27 November |Marine Officer Bryant | Michael Sutherland | Water police officer aiding Angelo Rosetta against human trafficking operations. 30 July–17 August 2011 | Jody Walker | Victoria Haralabidou | Sid Walker’s wife; attempts family reconciliation but departs following infidelity; returns briefly in 2011. 20 August | Michelle | Michelle Pettigrove | Charlie Buckton’s aunt who reveals Ruby Buckton’s adoption background. 24 August–8 July 2010 | Therese | Rose Ashton | Nurse involved in workplace conflicts tied to Sid Walker’s relationships. 28 August–11 September | Andy McLeod / Sophia McLeod | Paul Winchester / Madeline Andrews | Andy provides parenting guidance to Rachel Armstrong while daughter Sophia faces hearing diagnosis. 1–16 September | Grant Bledcoe | Clayton Watson | Ruby’s biological father accused of sexual assault by Charlie Buckton; later found dead, with Ross Buckton admitting to stabbing him over family concerns. 8 September | Tracey Bledcoe | Mary Anne Byrne | Supportive wife of Grant Bledcoe amid accusations against him. 15 September–1 March 2012 | Patrick Avery | Clayton Williams | Constable appearing intermittently, including bailing Sid Walker on assault charges in 2012. 18–22 September | Ruby Leeds | Tracie Sammmut | Brendan’s girlfriend advocating for his independence through sheltered housing placement. 18 September | Pheobe | Alisha Burton | Brief acquaintance of Jai Fernandez. 30 September | Jim | Mark Richardson | Hotel manager with a brief role. 1 October–27 January 2010 | Bambang Rahardjo | Joft Prastowo | Son of Wayan Rahardjo, assists Martha MacKenzie on farm; used as bait during smuggling probe. 3 October–26 January 2010 | Suzy Sudiro | Tasneem Roc | Hugo Austin’s ex-wife involved in human trafficking ring; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom before being subdued by Charlie Buckton. 6–17 November | Riley Radcliffe / Ian Radcliffe | Tani Edgecombe / Ben Simpson | Riley bullies VJ Patterson at school; Ian covers assault injuries blaming Miles Copeland but police uncover truth. 9–24 November | Poppie Merrin | Elouise Blair | Attempts to seduce Liam Murphy leading to relationship breakdown and Liam’s wrongful drug possession arrest. 17–24 November | Reg Merrin / Catie Merrin | Dane Carson / Tess Haubrich | Reg manages The Sands and employs Aden Jefferies; Catie arranges dates and conflicts causing Aden’s dismissal following false allegations of misconduct. 19–23 November | Orson Cardillo / Bonita Cardillo | Mark Lee / Suzi Dougherty Gardener for Donna DeBono implicated in gun planting leading to Donna’s imprisonment; suffers heart attack amid police inquiries while wife protests innocence. 25 November–18 February 2010 ||| Hazem Kassir ||| Ben Kermode ||| Dates Leah Patterson-Baker until racist attack causes paralysis, prompting breakup and move to city. ||- 26 November|||Prison Guard|||Joe Tarena|||On duty during Derrick Quaid's escape from custody.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
30 January	Bank manager	Christopher Saunders	Detects Bridget Simmons' unauthorized attempt to access Leah Patterson-Baker's account.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden on the boat; engaged in illegal abalone trade; tries to implicate Aden; provides intelligence about Hugo.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police officer conducting a brief inquiry in Summer Bay.
3 February	Lawyer	Blair Cutting	Legal representative for Angelo Rosetta.
4 February–25 January 2010	Lou De Bono	David Roberts	Dates Irene Roberts; later perishes at sea; Irene is mistakenly arrested but later cleared.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless protector of Melody Jones; notifies Miles Copeland of her whereabouts.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Assaults Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines interview to shield aged care facility; convinced by Melody Jones.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Melody Jones' grandmother who passes away due to a stroke during the plotline.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participates in speed dating; briefly connects with Leah before she chooses Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Older brother of Joey Collins; struggles with her sexuality; initially unsupportive but later apologizes.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Survivor of a shipwreck involved in illegal human trafficking with Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; antagonizes Geoff Campbell and Nicole Franklin; eventually apprehended.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Employer of Belle Taylor at newspaper; engages in affair with Paula Gill causing workplace tension.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Robert Cruze’s ex-partner who files a complaint against him; involved in a hit-and-run incident.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Colleague of Belle; has affair with Jerry Thibault; bullies Belle over pill dependency.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged wife of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou’s death.

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