Ian McTavish

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart made her initial appearance between 25 January and 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. She was introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). In 2018, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the show, the character was recast with Belinda Giblin, marking the longest interval between any character’s appearances on Home and Away.

Originally believed to have drowned in a sailing mishap in 1985, Martha was later revealed to be alive after several decades. Her comeback storyline involved mending relationships with Alf and their daughter Ruth "Roo" Stewart (Georgie Parker). Martha disclosed that she had left because she was suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD), which led to anxiety and created difficulties within her family ties. Following treatment, she gradually restored her bonds with both Alf and Roo.

The couple reignited their romantic relationship, with Martha creating a portrait of Alf before eventually relocating back to Summer Bay. Although she faced challenges initially, she pursued local mental health assistance. Their renewed connection culminated in remarriage and subsequent visits to Alf’s relatives. Martha keeps a residence and art studio in Merimbula, which serves as her sanctuary during episodes of BPD, occasionally causing friction with Alf.

Later, Martha revealed she had a son named Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), whom she had concealed out of fear of losing her family. Kieran’s arrival in Summer Bay introduced new dynamics but also broadened the Stewart family circle. Martha continues to live in Merimbula, while Alf visits her regularly.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, first appeared on 22 February 1989. Coburn is the daughter of Norman Coburn, who portrayed headmaster Donald Fisher on the show. David Brown from TV Week described Vicki as "Summer Bay’s resident trouble-maker." Initially hesitant about the role, Coburn grew to enjoy portraying a villainous character. She appeared intermittently until filming her final scenes in June 1990, remarking that the role provided steady work and valuable experience. She particularly enjoyed filming a fight scene with Dannii Minogue near the end of her tenure.

Vicki was an antagonist within Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, known for bullying peers and frequently clashing with Emma Jackson. After unsuccessfully attempting to gain tutoring from teacher Grant Mitchell, Vicki falsely accused him of sexual misconduct, which led to his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, resulting in Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover Vicki’s manipulations. When confronted with proof of her actions, Vicki was expelled from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, debuted on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher. During her time in Summer Bay, she developed a romantic relationship with Steven Matheson. The producers recognized the strong chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated occasional 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 part, earning nominations for the Logie Awards including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), and the Gold Logie 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 cast as a regular from 1995 until 1999. Initially, Dannii Minogue auditioned for Marilyn's role but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, with Symons securing the part of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn was characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart first appeared on-screen on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy's portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, portrayed by Mat Stevenson, entered the series on 28 June 1989. Prior to this, Stevenson had guest-starred in the rival soap Neighbours and relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this role. He exited the show in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout," favoring relaxation over responsibility, which contrasted with his own more dependable personality. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 and enjoyed the experience enough to contemplate rejoining full-time.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, enacted by Mouche Phillips, appeared from 5 July 1989 until 25 May 1990. Phillips started filming shortly after Justine Clarke's departure. She told Look-in magazine that she liked staying active on set and was often hard to find because she wasn’t where people expected her to be.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, was introduced on 22 September 1989 and left on 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers but was cast as Emma instead. After one year, she departed to focus on her music career. Although rumors suggested she might return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not make an appearance. Minogue received a nomination for the 1989 Logie Award for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" for this role. Holy Soap also included her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

31 October || Chas, pool player friend of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble involved in hustling Mick at pool games leading Martin into high-stakes match warning.| Richard Huggett || A hustler who warns about Mick's pool skills after losing money; advises caution when Martin plans $500 match against Mick.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé, shown in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart’s diary. The couple celebrate their engagement before Les dies during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin and conspires with her father Gordon to acquire the caravan park. He frames Roo Stewart for poison pen letters and assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim Patterson, younger sister of Alison, Mav, and Skye, attends Summer Bay Primary School. She discovers Morag Bellingham's memoirs saved on floppy disks and challenges local legends with Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades separates from her after learning Morag is Bobby Simpson’s mother. He warns Roo Stewart about Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist James Donahue investigates Morag Bellingham’s concealed motherhood, manipulates Celia Stewart for information, and persuades Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble but misreads his intentions; she struggles with illiteracy and after a violent encounter involving ex-boyfriend Meat Axe, ends her relationship with Martin, leaving him heartbroken.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Enid is a friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting regarding a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Nola Dibble is Martin Dibble's mother who meets Leanne Dunn during a family dinner arranged to discourage marriage plans between Leanne and Martin.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Brother of Martin Dibble appearing at a family gathering alongside Errol Dibble.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Nigel serves as Morag Bellingham’s personal assistant and mediator. He develops a friendship with Celia Stewart but rejects her romantic advances before resigning to maintain his independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Ross Maybury hosts a talk show featuring Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discussing Alan Fisher's novel; he questions Bobby about Morag Bellingham’s maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Meat Axe, Leanne Dunn's ex-boyfriend, arrives demanding Leanne return; he assaults Martin Dibble before Leanne intervenes and ultimately leaves with Meat Axe.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge arrives in Summer Bay causing trouble including theft and arson that leads to Philip Matheson’s death. Later fostered by the Fletchers, he manipulates Steven Matheson and bullies Sally Fletcher. After confessing to arson, Dodge is imprisoned for murder. Paroled in 1995, he commits further crimes including murder and framing Steven, culminating in a fatal cliffside confrontation where his body remains missing.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Simon Yates works at the Bayside diner and dates Roo Stewart despite his criminal history. He endures harassment from Steven Matheson and is framed for arson but eventually leaves town after repaying Alf Stewart.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Andrew Foley Senior attempts reconciliation with his estranged son Andrew but dies after leaving him an inheritance accompanied by an apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services representative Howard West places Brian "Dodge" Forbes with the Fletchers and investigates allegations of abuse by John Newton against daughters Viv and Tammy Newton.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor Peter Braithwaite questions Celia Stewart’s claim seeking twice the store's value following fire damage.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter for Japanese clients of the Macklin family conducting business in Summer Bay.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor Peter Bedford initially refuses to sign with the Macklins due to Frank Morgan’s past but is persuaded by Martin Dibble to invest in their development project.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Claire Bedford accompanies her husband Peter Bedford during dinner with the Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer Flynn leads a strike against Martin Dibble's conduct but calls it off following negotiations led by Roo Stewart; later assists in rescuing Marilyn Chambers during an incident involving Andrew Foley seeking attention.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker Jay Everett temporarily manages the Macklin development office, positively influencing Martin Dibble but failing to affect Roo Stewart amid family concerns.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Music promoter Nina Olivera forms the band Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; conflicts lead to sabotaged performances before Nina secures a job in Los Angeles inviting Stacey Macklin to join later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman Beulah supports Viv Newton during her time living on the streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police sergeant Col Baker questions Brian "Dodge" Forbes about a stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes responsibility instead.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend John Newton abuses daughter Viv Newton leading Summer Bay residents to intervene rescuing Viv and Tammy Newton; custody disputes follow until John relinquishes custody under supervision orders.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Tammy Newton struggles between loyalty toward abusive father John Newton and refuge with Viv Newton plus social services before reuniting with mother Angela Newton starting anew in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson's uncle Rex secures him employment as beach inspector but later resigns from local council after suffering a heart attack.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student Freddie Hudson visits Andrew Foley at youth advice centre located at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Ross Keating arrives seeking custody of niece Sally Keating but leaves after she chooses to remain with Fletchers; accompanied by wife Louise Keating.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Louise Keating supports husband Ross in custody pursuit of niece Sally Keating; unable to have children herself, she bonds with Sally before Sally decides to stay with Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Len Baxter is Vicki Baxter's father who reacts strongly when Vicki accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of misconduct; after Vicki admits lying, Grant is reinstated at school.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Danny Farnsworth seeks revenge on Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father Gordon Farnsworth; infiltrates Morag's life posing as assistant while dating Bobby Simpson before psychotic episode exposes him leading to flight from town.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable Chris Hale handles cases including arrests of Andrew Foley and Shane Parrish; causes accident resulting in Shane's death, confesses guilt leading to suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor arranging Tom Fletcher’s transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer Ian McTavish searches for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip," departs after discovering it was a hoax involving Martin Dibble disguised in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker Samantha Walker informs Ailsa Stewart that niece Emma Jackson wishes to live with her revealing previously unknown family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy Millicent Staples books Adam Cameron for remote island charter but abandons him sailing off alone after deceiving associates.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Local hot dog vendor Henry Whiting sells business to Celia Stewart after rejecting offers from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Sylvia Wilson appears at Stewart store amid complaints about council actions impacting local businesses including closure of Martin Dibble’s hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Rory Heywood arrives searching for Fletcher family causing tensions locally; joins surf club then killed by shark prompting community action against shark threats.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Mick, friend of Andrew Foley, stays briefly with him and Stacey Macklin; suspected of theft but misunderstood before departing after causing damage during outburst.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database