Gus Phillips

Home and Away

Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away stands as a prominent Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 2005, brought into the series by then-producer Julie McGuaran. The show's eighteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The year commenced with Emily Perry portraying Eve Jacobsen. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast as Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner, respectively. April introduced Doug Scroope in the role of Graham Walters. June marked the arrival of Holly Brisley as Ryan’s mother, Amanda Vale. August featured Todd Lasance taking on the character Aden Jefferies, alongside the introduction of the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield)) . November saw James Mitchell join as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen—also known as Zoe McCallister—is played by Emily Perry and made her first appearance on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting represented a notable advancement following her earlier background roles. She portrays a psychiatric nurse who becomes central to the intense "Summer Bay Stalker" narrative.

Eve’s storyline revolves around her killing nurse Zoe McCallister and assuming her identity, unleashing a reign of terror across Summer Bay. Her criminal activities include arson, deliberate sabotage, framing innocent people, and multiple attempts to murder key characters such as Sally Fletcher. The plot escalates to kidnapping incidents and clashes with Detective Peter Baker.

Although presumed dead following an explosion, Eve resurfaces under an alias, continuing her vendetta through bomb threats and psychological intimidation before ultimately being apprehended. She later reappears at Jack and Martha’s wedding, taking a hostage; a gas explosion ensues, resulting in her death along with an accomplice.

This plotline received critical acclaim, securing nominations for "Best Storyline" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2006 and 2007. It significantly boosted the show's viewership and engagement. Media outlets highlighted the suspenseful nature of the storyline and praised Eve’s portrayal as a memorable antagonist, solidifying her status among the series’ most notable villains.

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, portrayed by Isaac Gorman, first appeared on 16 March 2005 and departed in 2007, with subsequent guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Gorman had previously featured as Riley Edwards in 2002.

Ryan arrives shortly before his father Dan is set to wed Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou). While initially courteous towards Leah, he soon reveals his displeasure by causing disruptions such as spilling a drink, feigning illness, destroying Leah’s wedding dress, and burning invitations after discovering his mother Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley) was excluded from the event. Leah’s son VJ sustains minor burns from flying ashes, intensifying conflicts. After running away, Ryan is located by his uncle Peter who informs him that Dan will not reunite with Amanda. Ryan then apologizes, replaces the damaged invitations, and returns to Amanda in America. He later comes back to serve as a ring bearer at the wedding.

Dan relocates Ryan to live with Leah, considering Amanda an unsuitable influence; however, following disagreements, Amanda takes Ryan back to Los Angeles. They return months later to settle in Summer Bay along with Amanda’s daughter—Ryan’s half-sister—Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). Ryan supports Amanda’s engagement to Peter but eventually moves back with Dan and Leah amid their marital difficulties. When Dan accepts employment in America, Ryan resists relocating due to missing Amanda; consequently, Dan sends him to live with Amanda and Peter. After Dan tragically dies in an abseiling accident, both Amanda and Ryan attend his memorial service. Ryan expresses concerns about his place within Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance. They return for Belle’s wedding and attend her funeral following her cancer diagnosis before moving back to the city.

For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.

Cassie Turner

Cassie Turner, brought to life by Sharni Vinson, made her debut on 18 March 2005 and exited the series on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously appeared in guest roles during 2001 and 2003. After auditioning for the role of Martha MacKenzie in 2004, she was instead cast as Cassie Turner. In July 2007, rumors surfaced that Vinson intended to leave the show to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles. By November, it was officially confirmed that she had left to move with her partner, although the series did not provide a statement since Cassie's character continued appearing into 2008.

Cassie was portrayed as "strong-willed and fiercely independent," possessing an ability to "make friends easily and influence those around her." Vinson’s performance earned her a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards. The media often referred to Cassie as a "seductive soap siren," and Vinson’s departure was noted as a loss that disappointed many male viewers of the show.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, played by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and remained until his character’s death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter's eighteenth birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth. He explains that his distant behavior is due to trauma suffered during the Vietnam War. After selling his farm, he aims to rebuild family connections. Graham becomes romantically involved with the younger Amanda Vale, who had previously dated his grandson Scott. Despite family disapproval, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda takes advantage of Graham, avoiding intimacy and frequently leaving her son Ryan Baker in Graham’s care. When Graham uncovers Amanda’s affair with Josh West, he enlists Morag Bellingham to expose Josh’s illegal Project 56. During a confrontation related to this, Graham suffers a heart attack; Amanda calls emergency services but later abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over whether to maintain life support. Ultimately, Robbie makes the decision to end life support by turning off the machine.

Amanda inherits Graham’s assets and holds a wake that is largely overlooked in favor of the Hunter family gathering. She later returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. Following Robbie's admission of ending life support, he faces trial, is found guilty, but avoids imprisonment.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, portrayed by Marcus Jacometti, featured on Home and Away from 9 May until 17 June 2005.

This role marked Jacometti’s acting debut following completion of Year 12, signing on for a twenty-episode stint. To secure the part, he commuted from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney. Jacometti described the experience as thrilling yet intimidating, noting initial difficulties adjusting to fame and navigating a new city. He described Diesel as someone who "falls for unsuitable people, stirs up trouble, then leaves," highlighting traits they shared.

Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High School where principal Barry Hyde introduces him to Sally Fletcher. His unconventional demeanor leads to bullying by Jason Pappa and his group, who suspect Diesel is gay because of a rose tattoo. To counter rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but confides in Cassie Turner that he lacks romantic interest. Jason continues harassment culminating in physical assault.

After revealing he is homeless due to conflicts with foster parents, Sally invites Diesel to live with her and husband Flynn Saunders. Flynn is hesitant about this arrangement, causing tension between him and Diesel. When Diesel mentions his mother’s birthday, Sally agrees to take him out, which unsettles Flynn further. Eventually, Diesel moves out after Flynn arranges hostel accommodation for him.

Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally to Henry Hunter and later kisses her during tutoring sessions witnessed by Dan Baker. Sally rejects him; in response Diesel burns a sketch he drew of her. He then accuses Sally of sexual harassment leading to her suspension. Despite attempts by Ric Dalby and Cassie Turner to mediate, Diesel demands Sally admit love for him in exchange for dropping the complaint.

He escalates matters by stealing Sally’s locket and forging emails purportedly sent by her. Investigator Carl Summons examines the case but finds a photo of Diesel inside Sally's locket, resulting in Sally’s suspension. Principal Barry Hyde warns Diesel that confessing is necessary or consequences will follow.

The situation reaches a climax when Diesel takes Sally’s baby daughter Pippa hostage, threatening harm unless Sally declares love for him. Flynn intervenes as Diesel attempts to escape with Pippa, leading to Diesel’s arrest. He admits to Ken Harper that he fabricated the allegations against Sally. During a visit from Sally, Diesel reveals she reminds him of his mother; she acknowledges his loss but condemns his unhealthy obsession. Diesel apologizes before being placed into psychiatric care.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, brought to life by Holly Brisley, made her debut on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with short guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Brisley described Amanda as someone who "only moved to the city so she can flit in and flit out." In June 2009, Brisley returned for a secretive storyline that incorporated her real-life pregnancy. Amanda is characterized as the "ultimate attention-seeker," manipulating others to achieve her goals. For this role, Brisley was nominated for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, portrayed by Todd Lasance, first appeared on 4 August 2005 as a recurring character connected to Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson). Lasance initially auditioned for a different part but was later promoted to the main cast in 2007. Although he tried out for Jack Holden, he ultimately secured the role of Aden, which became central to numerous story arcs. In August 2009, Lasance signed with a Los Angeles talent agency to advance his international career, officially leaving after filming his final scenes in January 2010. Lasance described Aden as "an absolute bad-arse," deliberately avoiding turning him into a stereotypical "good guy." His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won him "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, with another nomination following in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, played by Paul O'Brien, debuted on 5 August 2005 and exited on 28 November 2008. O'Brien received several award nominations for this character, including winning the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent". He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O'Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon earned a nomination for "Best Storyline" for Jack and Martha's wedding plot. In 2008, he garnered nominations for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" alongside Gordon. Furthermore, at the first-ever Digital Spy Soap Awards, O'Brien was nominated for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, enacted by Jon Sivewright, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and departed on 11 August 2010. By that time, Sivewright was tied as the second longest-serving male cast member. His departure followed that of co-star Amy Mathews, reflecting a deliberate choice by producers. Tony's storylines often revolved around coping with the loss of family members; he is portrayed as a committed "family man" known for his empathy and optimistic attitude. The character enjoys maintaining fitness but also values casual social interactions. A significant storyline involved Tony reversing his vasectomy to start a family with his on-screen wife, Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, played by Rhys Wakefield, made his first appearance on 5 August 2005 and left on 14 February 2008. Wakefield received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this role. Critics described Lucas as a "stroppy lad," emphasizing his rebellious teenage nature. In 2007, Home and Away along with Seven Network faced criticism from the ACMA for broadcasting sexual content in episodes rated G, including scenes where Lucas and Belle decide to engage in sexual activity, which was deemed unsuitable for that classification.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005.

Mitchell joined the cast following his graduation from the NIDA in 2004 and commended the production team's commitment.

Michael is introduced as the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." This group manipulates Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into joining their ranks. Mumma Rose's intention is for Michael to impregnate Tasha; however, Michael resists these plans, resulting in their capture and subsequent rescue by law enforcement. Upon his parole and return under the name Michael, it is uncovered that he was adopted and subjected to brainwashing by Mumma Rose. His sterility ultimately clears him of any assault accusations.

Although initially met with suspicion from the community, Michael gains employment as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood) and becomes involved in a complicated relationship with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). Their connection endures obstacles, including jealousy stemming from Martha's former spouse Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien). Eventually, Michael departs the town alone after acknowledging he cannot rival Jack.

Mumma Rose

Mumma Rose (birth name Florence White), brought to life by Linden Wilkinson, first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously been featured in the series as Katherine Walker back in 1996.

As the head of The Believers cult, Mumma Rose enlists her son, Jonah Abraham (James Mitchell), to draw Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into their fold. Despite doubts expressed by Tasha's friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Mumma Rose exerts control by pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha’s mobile phone to hinder rescue attempts. Although Robbie is eventually found, he lacks evidence to prove wrongdoing.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose’s scheme to designate Tasha as "The Chosen One" meant to bear Jonah’s child, Mumma Rose orchestrates Rebecca’s abduction and denies any involvement during police inquiries. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to be interested in joining The Believers to aid in rescuing Tasha but fails to collect proof after being spotted near Rebecca’s whereabouts.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to facilitate impregnation; however, when Jonah assists Tasha in escaping, they are both recaptured. A purification ritual involving fire is planned, but Tasha manages to turn the cult members against Mumma Rose, leading to her arrest—though she escapes using a concealed vehicle.

Several months later, Mumma Rose reemerges, taking Tasha and Martha hostage while attempting to force Tasha into labor. She abducts Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) to pressure compliance, but Rachel’s attempt to sedate Mumma Rose inadvertently affects Tasha instead. Following a tip from Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), authorities apprehend Mumma Rose.

With assistance from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose kidnaps Tasha’s newborn daughter, Ella Hunter, intending to perform a cleansing fire ritual. Charity ultimately changes her stance, resulting in police intervention during a hostage crisis. After a confrontation with Tasha, Mumma Rose falls from a window ledge but is saved and taken into custody. She is later placed in a secure psychiatric institution.

A writer for the Daily Record characterized Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg serves as a physician at Northern Districts hospital, providing care to Leah Patterson after her appendix bursts and treating Sally Fletcher following a fall that caused a cerebral blood clot.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus is the estranged father of Kane Phillips, known for his abusive past and financial troubles. He rescues Hayley Lawson from a fire but involves Kane in a robbery, which results in Kane’s arrest.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Marc arrives after the bushfire, reconnects with Josie Russell, extorts $20,000 from her due to her past, and is ultimately murdered by Eve Jacobsen who frames him for a bombing incident.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	Anna holds the position of Administrator at Northern Districts Hospital. She initially suspends Flynn Saunders’ surgical privileges but reinstates them after he successfully completes several operations.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Greg is an associate of Gus Phillips involved in criminal activities; he pressures Gus for money and testifies against Kane but later expresses doubt about the crime’s details.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	Lara works as a constable at Yabbie Creek Police, arresting Kane Phillips and collaborating closely with Jack Holden until she takes maternity leave in 2008.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Benny pilots a charter flight involving key characters; the aircraft crashes, resulting in his death.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Arthur is a journalist who manipulates Colleen Smart to gather information about the Summer Bay Stalker but is rejected once his motives are uncovered.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Lisa dates Scott Hunter while concealing her marriage; upon revealing the truth, she departs the town alone.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	A local celebrant who officiates numerous significant weddings and funerals in Summer Bay over an extended period.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Darren holds the role of Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Alan visits Summer Bay unaware that his wife Lisa is involved with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Joy, grandmother to Cassie Turner, arrives intending to revive the "Miss Groper" pageant but suffers a fatal stroke following a confrontation with Colleen Smart.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Alison is a doctor attending to important characters such as VJ Patterson and Flynn Saunders; she uncovers crucial paternity test information before dying in a car accident.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Samantha briefly dates Robbie Hunter with the intention of making Tasha Andrews jealous.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Clare is a Senior Detective investigating the Summer Bay Stalker case. She initially clashes with Peter Baker but later reconciles and moves to the city with him.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Dale oversees a local storage facility connected to the Summer Bay stalker investigation.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Ben arrives following his mother’s stroke; it emerges that he abused Cassie Turner and Carla Bennett, leading to reports filed against him.
25 April	'Pauline Bennett'	'Beth Armstrong'	'Cassie Turner’s aunt who arrives with her children Carla and Liam after Joy Foxton’s death; involved in abuse storyline.'
	'Carla Bennett'	'Ashleigh Johnson'	' '
	'Liam Bennett'	'Uncredited'	' '
3 May	'Zoe McCallister'	'Uncredited'	'Nurse murdered by Eve Jacobsen, who assumes her identity.'
9 May–7 June	'Jason Pappa'	'Joshua Biagi'	'A student bully involved in altercations with Diesel Williams and others at Summer Bay High.'
20–23 May	'Jim Wallace'	'Harold Hopkins'	'A retired police officer linked to Josie Russell’s past; dies under unexplained circumstances.'
1–13 June	'Callan Sherman'	'Kain O'Keeffe'	'Friend of Ric Dalby involved in drug-related incidents and attempted assaults.'
7–16 June	'Carl Summons'	'John O'Hare'	'School inspector investigating accusations against Sally Fletcher.'
9–10 June	'Mystery Man'	'Lleyton Hewitt'	'An unsuccessful suitor pursuing Hayley Lawson.'
10–14 June	'Terry Rawlings'	'Laurence Coy'	'Suspect in Matilda Hunter’s disappearance; apprehended after her escape.'
16 June–5 July	'Noelene Baker'	'Kris McQuade'	'Mother to Peter and Dan Baker; plays a role in wedding disputes involving cultural differences.'
24 June–14 July	'Troy Peters'	'Christian Willis'	'Chloe Richards’ former boyfriend and stalking suspect; hospitalized following an altercation with Jesse McGregor.'
4–5 July	'Kevin Baker'	'Andy Anderson'	'Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with Peter prior to Dan’s wedding.'
22–23 July	'Judith Lane'	'Jane Fullerton Smith'	'Mediator involved in custody dispute over Olivia Richards.'
22–23 July	'Michael Maleto'	'Antony Grey'	'Attorney assisting Diana Fraser in custody proceedings concerning Olivia Richards.'
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	'Kevin Green'	'Scott Hall-Watson'	"Physician treating key patients including Morag Bellingham and Leah Patterson-Baker."
9–24 August	"Tom Anderson"	"Don Halbert"	"Former partner of Kerry Hyde; visited by Kim Hyde during search for Kerry."
10 August	"Harry Chambers"	"Rodney Dobsen"	"Accuses Jack Holden of responsibility for his daughter’s death, prompting a town meeting."
12–25 August	"Leo Simms"	"Johann Walravan"	"Burglar involved in incidents with Robbie Hunter and Amanda Vale; dies accidentally during confrontation."
15–23 August	"Lorraine Robertson"	"Gael Ballantyne"	"Barry Hyde's sister who misleads Kim Hyde regarding their mother Kerry."
23 August	"Brian Robertson"	"Paul Coolahan"	"Husband of Lorraine Robertson, unaware of her connection to the Hyde family."
2 September–1 November	"Corey Henderson"	"Adam Saunders"	"Probationary constable responsible for poisoning Irene Roberts among other crimes; subsequently arrested and imprisoned."
9–13 September	"Sean Jefferies"	"Gabriel Egan"	"Older brother of Aden Jefferies who assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage."
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006	Josef Ber	"Physician who informs Flynn Saunders of his terminal illness and attends his funeral."
27 September	Gary Baxter	"Local mayor framed by Josh West during election campaign."
29 September	Uncredited	"Wife of Darren McGrath; socializes with Martha MacKenzie and Corey Henderson."
13 October–25 November	Leah Etkind	"Employee at nudist camp who introduces Kim Hyde to drugs, resulting in his overdose."
19 October–8 November	Zachary Garred	"Intern at Northern Districts hospital unknowingly involved in Amanda Vale’s deception regarding paternity tests."
25 October–25 November	Various actors	"Newborn son of Hayley Lawson caught up in paternity dispute resolved through medical testing."
28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006	Terry Serio	"Bookmaker entangled with Dan Baker's gambling debts; kidnaps Ryan leading to police intervention."
28–29 October	Alan Dukes	"Gun dealer from whom Martha MacKenzie illegally acquires a firearm."
9–22 November	Paul Caesar	"Associate of Dudley Shepherd who pressures Dan Baker over unpaid debts."
11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012	Charlie Hopkins	"Doctor at Northern Districts hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ retirement due to cancer."
11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006	Charlotte Gregg	"Member of The Believers cult involved in kidnapping and custody disputes surrounding Tasha Andrews’ baby Ella."