Gemma Parata

Gemma Parata
Occupation	Actress
Years active	2020
Known for	Portraying Gemma Parata in Home and Away
Notable work	Home and Away

Gemma Parata

Gemma Parata, played by Bree Peters, made her first appearance on 27 January 2020. Peters’ casting was announced in November 2019, with character information disclosed shortly before her debut. Gemma is introduced as the mother of Nikau Parata and the sister-in-law of Tane Parata. Peters characterized Gemma as a strong matriarch surrounded by male family members, highlighting her dedication to family values. Her departure came unexpectedly on 8 July 2020, when she left to return to New Zealand to scatter the ashes of her late husband, Mikaere. This exit was confirmed both by the show’s UK broadcaster and Peters herself, who commended the inclusion of Māori characters in the storyline.

Following a hostage crisis involving her brother-in-law Ari Parata, Gemma visits him at Northern Districts Hospital. She later takes a position at the Pier Diner and, together with Ari, chooses to remain in Summer Bay despite financial difficulties forcing them from a motel into Marilyn Chambers’ residence. Strained relations develop between Ari and Marilyn’s husband John Palmer due to unresolved issues and family secrets. Throughout these challenges, Gemma strives to mediate tensions while supporting her son Nikau through his personal struggles, including Bella Nixon’s adverse reaction to his romantic advances.

When Ari’s brother Tane arrives in town, Gemma plays a key role in calming disputes and securing housing for the family. After losing shifts at the Diner, she finds employment at Salt and forms new connections, particularly with Ben Astoni. Although Gemma shares a kiss with Ben, she makes it clear she is not ready to move on from Mikaere, leading them to maintain a friendship despite objections from their families.

The Parata family becomes suspects in a robbery at the Diner and a subsequent carjacking, which prompts Gemma to decide on scattering Mikaere’s ashes back in New Zealand. While her sons are initially stopped at passport control, Gemma travels alone and decides to remain there permanently, later inviting Nikau to join her.

Nikau Parata

Nikau Parata, portrayed by Kawakawa Fox-Reo, first appeared on 28 January 2020. Fox-Reo’s casting was revealed alongside Rob Kipa-Williams (Ari Parata) in November 2019, with additional character details released in December 2019. After being accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Fox-Reo chose to forgo that opportunity to join this series. He experienced homesickness following his relocation to Sydney for filming. Alongside Kipa-Williams and Ethan Browne (Tane Parata), Fox-Reo forms part of the show’s newly introduced Māori family and collaborated closely with writers to ensure cultural accuracy. His goal was to portray his character authentically for audiences familiar with Māori heritage.

Fox-Reo described Nikau as "impulsive," self-assured with women, and deeply connected to his mother Gemma (Bree Peters). The character is on a journey to find his place within Summer Bay and initially interacts with Jade Lennox (Mia Morrissey), which leads to conflict involving Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich). Later, Nikau becomes romantically involved with Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), sharing a kiss despite opposition from Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor).

On 30 November 2022, it was announced that Fox-Reo would be departing the series after completing his final scenes. Fans speculated about his exit following changes in his appearance and travel abroad. Nikau’s departure aired on 2 March 2023, as he left Summer Bay alongside Bella for New York.

Tane Parata

Tane Parata, brought to life by Ethan Browne, made his first appearance on 10 February 2020. Browne’s casting was revealed on 29 December 2019, marking his inaugural role on television with Home and Away. Tane is introduced as the sibling of Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams) and forms part of the show's newly introduced Māori family unit, which also includes Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo). To maintain cultural accuracy, the actors worked closely with the writers. Tane’s personality is described as a "free spirit" and "mischief maker," with a strong devotion to his family. His character profile highlighted tendencies such as being "most likely to be drunk and disorderly" and "most likely to bring home a different partner every week." In the landmark 8000th episode aired on 27 March 2023, Tane weds Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis). After the exit of his fictional family members, the producers expanded his storyline by adding Tane’s cousin Kahu Parata (Jordi Webber) in April 2023. Ethan Browne received a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2022 Inside Soap Awards.

Marco Astoni

Marco Astoni, played by Tim Walter, was introduced on 12 March 2020. Walter had a previous guest role in the series back in 2008 as Aaron Copeland. Marco is depicted as the brother of established character Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol), a narrative addition designed to enrich Ben’s background. Marco harbors longstanding feelings for Ben’s wife, Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi), and their former affair creates significant conflict. The producers characterize Marco as "self-assured" and "smooth-talking," managing the family enterprise, which has suffered financial setbacks due to poor choices, leaving him in monetary difficulty.

Marco arrives in Summer Bay with the apparent aim of mending fences with Ben and proposing a joint business opportunity; however, Maggie is unsettled by their secret past. Although initially met with hostility, Ben eventually reconciles with Marco, but Maggie cautions Ben about Marco’s true motives after revealing their one-night encounter from 22 years earlier. Marco pressures Maggie to persuade Ben to fund his business plan, threatening exposure if she refuses. When Ben consents to invest, Maggie demands Marco’s departure, but he resists.

Strains escalate when Ben uncovers the affair between Maggie and Marco, sparking doubts about Ziggy Astoni’s paternity. A paternity test confirms Ben as Ziggy’s father, prompting Maggie to regret concealing the truth. Marco confesses his enduring love for Maggie but faces rejection from Ben, who cuts ties completely. Before leaving Summer Bay, Marco warns Maggie that he might disclose her involvement in his business downfall should he stay longer. Ultimately, he accepts defeat, recognizing Ben as Maggie’s rightful husband and exits.

Evan Slater

Evan Slater, portrayed by Cameron Daddo, made his debut on 14 May 2020. Daddo's casting was announced in November 2019 with an initial two-month contract. He described joining Home and Away as a valuable career opportunity during a period of uncertain acting prospects. Evan is introduced as the estranged father of regular character Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) and emerges as a possible romantic interest for Ryder's aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). Initially, Ryder is distrustful of Evan, while his grandfather Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) responds cautiously due to Evan having abandoned Ryder’s mother, Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox), following a brief relationship during their time as musicians. This strained dynamic nearly causes Evan to leave Summer Bay prematurely.

Amber Simmons

Amber Simmons, portrayed by Maddy Jevic, made her initial appearance on 23 July 2020. Jevic, recognized for her previous role in Wentworth, described Amber—a home carer assigned to support John Palmer (Shane Withington) after his stroke—as an invigorating and lively character. Amber’s history links her to prominent figures such as Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts (actress)), Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor), and Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), with shared experiences rooted in Mangrove River. Her narrative delves into themes of allegiance and lingering disputes, particularly following the revelation that Colby serves as a police officer. Amber and her son Jai Simmons (River Jarvis) departed the show in May 2021.

Her storyline primarily revolves around aiding John Palmer's recovery, frequently leading to disagreements about her caregiving methods. Amber confronts Colby Thorne concerning the death of her brother Jai and manages strained interactions with Willow and Dean before eventually reconciling with them. Additionally, she briefly forms a bond with Tane Parata (Ethan Browne).

Owen Davidson

Owen Davidson, played by Cameron Daddo, first appeared on 24 August 2020. Confirmed by Woman's Day, Owen is introduced as the long-lost twin brother of Evan Slater, also portrayed by Daddo. Reflecting on playing two characters, Daddo mentioned having time to develop Owen’s backstory separately and expressed excitement upon receiving the role. Owen also becomes romantically linked to Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). His final episode was broadcast on 12 November 2020.

Owen arrives unexpectedly in Summer Bay and is soon identified by Ryder Jackson and Alf Stewart at the surf club due to his striking resemblance to Ryder’s deceased father, Evan Slater. Persuaded to remain, Owen discovers that he and Evan are twins who were separated at birth and adopted into different families. He seeks connection through Evan’s guitar and family anecdotes shared by Ryder and Roo. Owen and Roo quickly develop a romantic relationship, advancing after several dates despite initial reservations and familial concerns.

On Owen’s birthday, memories of Evan surface, causing tension when Roo accidentally calls him by Evan’s name during an intimate moment. Opposition from family members strains their bond, leading to a breakup as Owen senses Roo’s lingering feelings for Evan. After their separation, Owen leaves Summer Bay.

Taylor Rosetta

Taylor Rosetta, enacted by Annabelle Stephenson, debuted on 26 August 2020. The casting announcement was made on 1 August 2020. Stephenson initially auditioned in 2019 while in Italy but secured the role after returning to Australia and relocating to Sydney for filming. She described the production atmosphere as relaxed and depicted Taylor as "a warm yet fiercely independent woman."

Taylor is married to Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), who returns to Summer Bay after a lengthy absence. As a physiotherapist, Taylor developed feelings for Angelo during her studies, drawn by his enthusiasm and charisma. However, feeling overlooked by Angelo, she initiates an affair with his suspect Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin). Stephenson highlighted that Taylor’s relationship with Colby is intricate, blending affection with betrayal amid the ongoing murder investigation.

In Summer Bay, Taylor supports Angelo throughout his homicide inquiry but grows emotionally distant as he becomes engrossed in his work. She forms a friendship with Colby, who provides solace during her marital difficulties. After Angelo cancels plans to follow a lead, Taylor visits Colby; they share a kiss that escalates into an affair while Angelo is away. As their liaison becomes known to others—including Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts (actress)), Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), and Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor)—Taylor attempts to terminate the affair.

Christian Green

Christian Green, brought to life by Ditch Davey, made his first appearance on 16 September 2020. Announced on 19 June 2020, Davey referred to the role as a fortunate opportunity during difficult circumstances. Christian is introduced as a neurosurgeon called in to manage a critical health issue at Northern Districts Hospital, specifically consulting on Justin Morgan's spinal tumour. His personality blends confidence, wit, and a compassionate nature. Additionally, Christian becomes romantically involved with fellow physician Tori Morgan. In September 2021, both Davey and Penny McNamee, portraying Tori, departed the series as their characters married and moved to London.

Kieran Baldivis

Kieran Baldivis, portrayed by Rick Donald, debuted on 26 November 2020. Donald returned to Home and Away following a guest appearance in 2011, embracing the chance to play a layered character near the show's filming location. Kieran is depicted as Martha Stewart's estranged son, grappling with mental health challenges and addiction, setting him apart from conventional villains.

Initially introduced as an alcoholic struggling with anger issues, Kieran attempts to mend his fractured relationship with Martha, generating conflict within her family. He gains employment at a local gym and endeavors to repair bonds while confronting his inner struggles. After several incidents, including kidnapping Martha during a relapse episode, Kieran faces legal repercussions but later returns sober, committed to recovery with community support.

His storyline explores complex family interactions involving Martha, Alf, and Roo Stewart, focusing on rebuilding trust and maintaining sobriety. Despite difficulties and strained ties—especially with Alf—he receives encouragement from Jasmine Delaney and Irene Roberts. Ultimately, acknowledging persistent challenges in Summer Bay, Kieran accepts a job offer in Merimbula arranged by Martha and departs on improved terms with Alf.

Lewis Hayes

Lewis Hayes, enacted by Luke Arnold, first appeared on 30 November 2020. Arnold's casting was confirmed in early November 2020, with further character insights revealed later that month. He described Lewis as being driven by revenge and positioned as a romantic interest for Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost). Like Jasmine, Lewis works as a nurse; Arnold collaborated with medical consultants to ensure authenticity in portraying the role. Lewis shares a history with Jasmine from a past relationship; after its end, he fell in love again but lost his partner, fueling his vendetta against surgeon Christian Green (Ditch Davey), whom he holds responsible for her death. This creates tension between his fixation on Christian and rekindled feelings for Jasmine.

While employed as an agency nurse at Graydon Prison infirmary, Lewis reconnects with Jasmine, inviting her for coffee and spending time together in Summer Bay. He discloses that his partner Anna died in a car crash, paralleling Jasmine’s loss of her husband. Lewis revives Colby Thorne following an assault in prison and assists in arranging visits despite guard restrictions. Later transferring to Northern Districts Hospital to work alongside Jasmine, he monitors Christian’s patient care due to past grievances. Lewis accuses Christian of negligence related to Anna’s death after she suffered a secondary brain bleed when Christian was unavailable.

Lewis attains the nursing unit manager role at the hospital and acknowledges mutual attraction with Jasmine. At Christian and Tori’s engagement celebration, Lewis questions Christian’s ability to operate after observing him consume alcohol. Following a patient’s death, Christian demands Lewis’s termination; however, Tori intervenes. Professionally undermining Christian escalates until Lewis reveals his personal connection to Anna to both Jasmine and Christian; Christian apologizes but denies culpability.

Driven by revenge, Lewis attempts to harm patient Ari Parata intending to frame Christian but is interrupted; instead, he kills another patient, prompting an investigation that temporarily suspends Christian. After the autopsy clears Christian of wrongdoing, tensions intensify: Christian assaults Lewis physically; Lewis files a complaint resulting in suspension reversal. Despite Christian’s efforts at reconciliation, Lewis remains unyielding.

Lewis reports Christian for assault; dissatisfied with the imposed fine penalty, he instigates further confrontations until Alf intervenes. Jasmine questions whether Lewis is pursuing justice or vengeance and encourages him to seek counseling. Subsequently, Lewis attacks Christian again, taking him hostage while demanding acknowledgment of guilt for Anna’s death. When Christian refuses, Lewis administers a fatal injection but leaves before emergency personnel arrive. Later confronting Jasmine, he rationalizes his actions as protecting patients; she condemns him and reveals that Christian survived and is recovering. Emotionally shattered, Lewis surrenders to authorities and expresses remorse. He pleads guilty to three counts of patient murder and attempted murder of Christian.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
27 January	Hostage Taker #3	Emanuele Battaglia	Part of the Ouroboros gang seizing hostages in the hospital emergency ward. One member inspects the stairwell, discovers a phone playing a recorded message, before Dean Thompson incapacitates and disarms him.
	Hostage Taker #4	Rik-Mei Karena
27 January–	Ambulance Officer/ Paramedic Charlie	Kathryn Schuback	Despite the emergency department being closed, transports Robbo to Northern Districts Hospital after a car accident; later conveys Colby Thorne, admits Ben Astoni for serotonin syndrome, and treats John Palmer following a stroke. Initially credited as Ambulance Officer, then as Paramedic Charlie.
27 January–	Freya Bozic	Francisca Braithwaite	Nurse at Northern Districts Hospital who monitors Robbo post-operation, assists during cardiac arrest events, treats Colby Thorne for tachycardia, and administers sodium bicarbonate to counteract a fatal potassium overdose given to Christian Green. Maintains friendly relations with colleagues.
3 February	AFP Chaplain	Winston Cooper	Leads the funeral service for Robbo.
	Terence Salisbury	Howard Stone	Attends Robbo's funeral and shares anecdotes from earlier days in the AFP.
5 February	Journalist	Deborah An	Conducts an interview with Marilyn Chambers about Ari Parata’s bravery during the hospital hostage situation.
11–19 February	Patricia Hendersen	Sharni McDermott	Counsellor assisting Bella Nixon with her overdose recovery and trust challenges; suggests alternative therapies but continues sessions upon Bella’s request.
18–19 February	Jason	James Biasetto	Ex-boyfriend of Mackenzie Booth, confronts her over missing funds; attempts extortion but is warned by Constable Colby Thorne about legal repercussions and departs town.
26–27 February	Douglas	Adam Booth	Takes Leah Patterson hostage, abuses her, forces her to send false messages to her partner; after she escapes, stabs Colby Thorne, is arrested, and later sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
27 April	Danny	Bryden White-Tuohey	Challenges Nikau Parata and Bella Nixon to a pool game; loses a bet involving money and leaves following a confrontation.
	Gavin	Steve Carroll	Customer at Pier Diner who complains about his order and insults Leah Patterson before departing.
28 April	Ingrid Stone	Amy Kersey	Victims Services officer aiding Leah Patterson in preparing an impact statement related to abuse by Douglas Maynard.
30 April	Steve	Cramer Cain	Employee at Bridge Farm Equine Centre; introduces therapy horses to Bella Nixon, Colby Thorne, and Willow Harris; monitors Bella’s therapeutic progress.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

|- ! scope="row"| 30 April || Annabelle || Monique Riley || Woman discovered sleeping in #Tane Parata’s bed; awakened by his phone call. |- ! scope="row"| 6 May 2020,
15 July 2021 || Ultra Sound Technician || Elizabeth McLean || Performs ultrasounds for Jasmine Delaney (no fetus detected) and later for Mia Anderson, confirming the presence of a female fetus. |- ! scope="row"| 7 May || Cindy || Sarah Halloran || Woman who spends the night with #Tane Parata, departing before others arrive. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"| 24 June || Melissa || Kelly Zacharias || Recognizes nurse Jasmine Delaney from an online forum; spends time with Jasmine’s stepdaughter Grace Morgan; agrees to keep Jasmine’s identity confidential. |- || Baby Tyler || Aurora Williams || Son of Melissa. |- ! scope="row"| 8 July || Anna Davies || Lou Pollard || Passport control officer who denies entry to Ari Parata’s family over security concerns; advises them to seek legal advice. |- ! scope="row"| 11 August– || Sergeant Cooper || John Atkinson || Notifies Colby Thorne and Bella Nixon about Ross Nixon’s body discovery; later participates in arresting Kieran Baldivis on domestic violence charges. |- ! scope="row"| 13 August || Counsellor Peta || Beth Champion || Provides counselling support to Jasmine Delaney dealing with attachment difficulties related to her stepdaughter and unresolved grief over her late husband. |- ! scope="row"| 20 August || Dale the Camp Manager || Bryce Youngman || Oversees campsite where Nikau Parata and Bella Nixon pass through; offers local guidance. |- ! scope="row"| 24 August 2020 – 22 February 2022 || Jai Simmons || River Jarvis || Son of Amber Simmons and Dean Thompson; introduced as a significant child character involved in family dynamics including custody disputes and bonding with Dean. Moves between guardianship reflecting ongoing storyline developments. |- ! scope="row"| 26 August || Ambulance Officer #2 || Jennine Kelly || Assists in medical treatment of Justin Morgan following chemical exposure injury. |- ! scope="row"| 16 September 2020 – 11 March 2021 || Leon || Will McNeill || Enforcer connected to debts owed by Tane Parata; involved in violent conflicts including stabbing Tane; coerces Parata family into criminal acts before being beaten by River Boys gang members and arrested. |- ! scope="row"| 24 September 2020,
11 August 2021 || Dr Stevens || Wadih Dona || Anaesthesiologist engaged in complex spinal surgeries for Justin Morgan and monitoring brain hemorrhages in Nikau Parata. Credited as Dr Stevens but named Dr Kevin Stephens on-screen. |- ! scope="row"| 13–22 October || Francesca Simmons || Joanne Hunt || Amber Simmons' mother; critical of Dean Thompson's influence on Jai Simmons; involved in custody disputes impacting family relations. |- ! scope="row"| 2 November 2020 – 17 March 2021 || Paul || Jack Finsterer || Antagonist exerting pressure on Tane Parata over debts via violence and blackmail; orchestrates armed robbery forcing Ari and Tane's involvement; kidnaps family members before confrontation with Paratas ends in police intervention. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3"| || || Neveen Hanna || Legal representative for Colby Thorne during his murder trial; advises on plea strategy amid presentation of key evidence. |- || Judge || Tracy Mann || Oversees Colby Thorne's trial, manages plea change to guilty, and issues sentencing of 25 years imprisonment. |- || || Ray Chong Nee || Prosecutor presenting crucial evidence against Colby Thorne during trial proceedings. |- ! scope="row"| 16 November || || Peter Cook || Maintains order in courtroom during Colby Thorne's trial, including removing disruptive individuals and administering oaths. |- ! scope="row"|
3 March 2022 || || Shameer Birges || Correctional officer at Graydon Prison responsible for Colby Thorne’s custody; manages visitations, hospital escorts, solitary confinement notifications, and security during disturbances involving River Boys gang members. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"| 26 November || Tammy || Bernie Van Tiel || Provides assistance to Dean Thompson after a pub altercation in Mangrove River; offers shelter which he declines following brief intimacy. |- || Jess || Kara Sheehan || Purchases beer for Dean Thompson during pub scene. |- ! scope="row"| 26 November 2020,
10 February 2021 || || Travis McCurry || Member of River Boys gang interacting with Dean Thompson regarding territorial disputes; later socializes at pool games interrupted by Bella Nixon. |- ! scope="row"| 30 November 2020–
11 February 2021 || Joe || Shaun Anthony Robinson || Inmate at Graydon Prison who exposes Colby Thorne’s undercover identity leading to violent confrontations culminating in Joe’s fatal stabbing by Colby acting in self-defense. |- |}

External links

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