Jane Avent

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced in 2009, all under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Early in the year, January saw the arrival of Gina and Hugo Austin. February introduced Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. New characters joining in March included 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 made his debut in August, with Romeo Smith being the last new character introduced in September.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and departed on 18 April 2013. According to the official show description, Gina is a dedicated mother who has navigated difficulties with both her eldest and youngest sons while maintaining strength without succumbing to self-pity. Industry commentary portrays her as a warm-hearted, grounded individual who places family above her own desires. Todd has emphasized that Gina’s identity as a mother to three sons is central to her character's storyline.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, debuted on 27 January 2009, exited on 26 January 2010, returned briefly on 6 May 2010, and left again on 9 June 2010. Curry, previously known for his role in Neighbours, described his experience working on Home & Away as an enjoyable and stimulating challenge. Hugo is depicted as an outdoors enthusiast with a tanned complexion and athletic build.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, portrayed by Aidan Gillett, appeared first on 1 February 2009. Robbo worked alongside characters such as Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins on a boat, frequently antagonizing Joey due to her sexual orientation. His behavior escalated to sexually assaulting Joey and threatening her into silence. After Joey reported this, Robbo denied the allegations. Following an incident where his ex-girlfriend Tanya Gannon was run over, Robbo assaulted Joey again but was eventually apprehended by authorities. He faced charges and did not return to the series.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, enacted by Luke Bracey, was introduced on 9 February 2009. Despite his seemingly innocent appearance, Trey is notorious for engaging in troublesome conduct that provoked strong reactions from viewers. His role primarily involves generating conflict, particularly targeting characters like Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin. A significant plotline involved Trey recording a sex tape with Nicole, which he later leaked—echoing a real-life controversy involving Lincoln Lewis.

Presented as a disruptive student in Summer Bay, Trey bullies various locals including Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) using racist insults and frequently clashes with school staff. He maintains ongoing hostility towards Geoff Campbell and harbors resentment against his stepfather, John Palmer. Trey also holds animosity toward Miles Copeland but softens after receiving kindness from Kirsty; he develops unreturned romantic feelings for her that lead to further complications including an assault incident. Initially, Trey presses charges against Miles resulting in Miles’ suspension but subsequently retracts them.

Trey’s relationship with Nicole progresses from initial attraction to dating and eventually sexual involvement. They produce a sex tape which Trey maliciously distributes to embarrass Nicole. His actions escalate when he hijacks a school bus during a field trip, revealing he had planted an explosive device underneath it. While many students manage to escape unharmed, Hugo Austin suffers serious injuries from the blast. Trey is ultimately arrested on charges of attempted murder.

Freya Duric

Freya Duric, brought to life by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.

In 2009, the show featured two lesbian plotlines, one involving Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya sharing a kiss that generated viewer complaints. James described their relationship: "Freya mirrors what Nicole was like when she initially arrived in the bay, which explains their connection. Nicole identifies with Freya's rebellious nature but remains unaware of how far Freya will push boundaries." Feeling "angry" about being placed on Freya's "not hot list," Nicole is kissed by Freya as a demonstration of attraction. Although Nicole does not enjoy the kiss, she values regaining attention, leading her to realize she has become dull.

Freya comes to Summer Bay searching for her former boyfriend, Xavier Austin. She is bold and determined to reignite their romance, but Xavier resists due to his involvement with Ruby Buckton. Despite Gina’s warnings, Freya persistently seduces him and ultimately succeeds. She causes disruption within the community and introduces drug dealing at Summer Bay, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After clashing with Nicole, Freya publicly kisses her, accusing Nicole of being boring and irritating Geoff, who suspects ulterior motives. Using Xavier for personal gain, Freya soon loses interest and later kisses his brother Hugo—unaware that Xavier witnesses this. Hugo ends their brief relationship, prompting Freya’s swift exit.

Joey Collins

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

The producers introduced Joey to explore a lesbian storyline involving Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson), aiming to enhance viewership. Their friendship gradually develops into romance over five weeks, featuring tender kissing and dance sequences. Executive producer Cameron Welsh highlighted Joey’s popularity and suggested potential future appearances.

Joey works alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze on a boat. Robbo targets Joey with harassment that escalates to him pushing her into the water. Joey confides in Aden about her sexuality and develops romantic feelings for Charlie. Her brother Brett reacts negatively to her being a lesbian and expels her from home; she subsequently moves in with Charlie.

Robbo’s harassment intensifies into sexual assault accompanied by threats to keep silent. Encouraged by Aden and Belle Taylor, Joey considers filing a complaint. Robbo denies the allegations while Brett refuses to believe her. Charlie assists in convincing Robbo’s ex Tanya to lodge a complaint, but Tanya suffers a hit-and-run accident en route. Robbo attempts to drown Joey but Charlie intervenes; he is arrested and charged. Following these events, Charlie kisses Joey.

They begin a clandestine relationship but face homophobic opposition from the community. Charlie grapples with her sexual identity amid professional pressures; eventually, Joey departs after an emotional farewell to pursue another job.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, played by Axle Whitehead, was introduced on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, known as a musician and presenter, secured the role following a successful audition. Initially slated for just fifteen episodes, Liam is portrayed as a "bad boy rocker." Drawing from his own experiences, Whitehead depicted Liam’s battles with drug addiction.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, made his debut on 25 March 2009. After collaborating with other cast members, Brendan was introduced alongside the arrival of the Austin family. He lives with a cognitive disability, which causes friction between his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan comes to Summer Bay accompanied by his mother, with his autism disclosed early on. During Hugo’s absence, Xavier took on the responsibility of caring for him, though the strain led to conflicts. Initially withdrawn and avoiding others, Brendan gradually opens up socially thanks to encouragement from Xavier’s partner Ruby Buckton. Following an incident where he runs away from his guardian Martha MacKenzie and triggers a car crash that blinds Roman Harris, no legal action is taken against him due to his condition. His aversion to blue vehicles is linked to a traumatic accident that previously injured Hugo.

Later, Brendan mentions having a girlfriend named Ruby Leeds, who has Down syndrome, which initially confuses Ruby Buckton. He requests to move into supported accommodation and attend an educational facility; after rescuing Xavier from drowning, Gina endorses this change. Brendan briefly returns believing Hugo has died—though this turns out to be untrue—and in 2013, after Gina’s passing, it is noted that Brendan will not attend her funeral because of his emotional fragility.

John Palmer

John Palmer, brought to life by Shane Withington, first appeared on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, known for his role in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring capacity. John is characterized as a "strict father" figure and an active member of the surf lifesaving community.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, enacted by Alexandra Park, arrived on 10 April 2009. She embarks on a romantic relationship with Geoff Campbell and later announces her pregnancy. A significant storyline involves Claudia and Geoff being trapped in a caravan fire after becoming intimate. Producer Cameron Welsh highlighted the layered nature of Claudia’s pregnancy arc, including her initial dishonesty regarding the paternity.

Claudia starts working on the farm alongside Geoff, fostering mutual attraction that leads to dating and intimacy. After the caravan fire incident, Lachie holds Geoff responsible for his injury. Claudia discloses her pregnancy but claims Geoff is not the father, despite having ended things with Lachie earlier. Lachie attempts to reconcile but is turned down.

As tensions escalate between Geoff and Lachie, Geoff’s aggressive tackle during a football match results in Lachie appearing paralyzed. Overcome with guilt, Claudia confesses that Lachie is actually the father. Geoff responds with anger and expels Claudia from his home. Lachie anticipates reconciliation but eventually becomes abusive toward Claudia, prompting her to deny him access to their child. Ultimately, Claudia departs Summer Bay to live with her cousin in Dubbo, distancing herself from both men.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, played by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is the former boyfriend of Claudia Hammond (Alexandra Park). Their unstable relationship ended amid complications surrounding Claudia’s pregnancy, which was initially claimed not to be Lachie’s child. Following a confrontation with Claudia’s new partner Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) during a rugby game, Lachie is hospitalized with concerns about paralysis. Claudia then admits that Lachie is the father, prompting Geoff to end their relationship. Lachie hopes to reunite with Claudia and form a family; however, she ultimately rejects him and leaves Summer Bay.

The Daily Record observed that Geoff’s frustration boiled over into aggression directed at Lachie.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, portrayed by Jeremy Sims, appeared between 13 May and 10 June 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald commended Sims for delivering a compelling and disturbing performance, depicting Gardy as a cunning villain. Despite his charismatic demeanor, the Daily Record labeled him a "baddie".

Gardy takes advantage of Roman Harris's (Conrad Coleby) recent loss of sight by moving into his home. He provokes violent altercations and engages in dangerous attempts to restore Roman’s vision. Once Roman recovers his sight, Gardy forces him to participate in a robbery at a liquor store, which leads to an elderly woman suffering a heart attack. Subsequently, Gardy threatens to implicate Roman unless he continues committing crimes under his direction.

The situation intensifies when Gardy holds hostages at the Palmer household and blackmails Roman over a previous military incident. During a heist at a warehouse in Mangrove River, Gardy shoots Roman and chases him through a gunfight. Although others try to intervene, Gardy is eventually overpowered but escapes wounded into a nearby creek, vanishing afterward.

May Stone

May Stone, enacted by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She swiftly begins dating Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, explained that Charlie never intended to hurt May despite the affair. The Daily Record highlighted Angelo’s lack of sensitivity towards May, who appeared heartbroken after their split.

May integrates into Summer Bay and starts a romantic relationship with Angelo. When Angelo realizes his feelings for Charlie remain strong, he has an affair with her but initially conceals it. After May commits seriously to Angelo, he admits the truth, resulting in their breakup. Following this, May resigns from her teaching role and leaves the community.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by several child actors, debuted on 30 July 2009. He is the son of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty coping with Harry’s incessant crying and briefly contemplates smothering him before seeking assistance. When Jane Avent accuses Rachel of having had a stillbirth, Jane kidnaps Harry, triggering a police search. The child is eventually returned safely to his parents. In August 2010, Harry moves to Boston alongside Rachel and Tony, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before leaving.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, played by Robert Mammone, was introduced on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to favorable audience reception, Sid along with Indigo and Dexter were brought back as regular characters in June 2010.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, initially portrayed by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, was recast with Charles Cottier in 2010 when the character returned. Cottier observed changes in Dexter’s personality and chose not to view the earlier portrayal. A significant storyline involved Dexter’s relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both thrilling and somewhat awkward given their considerable age difference.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, portrayed by Samara Weaving, made her initial appearance on 30 July 2009 as a member of the newly introduced Walker family: father Sid (Robert Mammone), mother Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), brother Dexter (Tom Green), and Indigo herself. The family departed the series in September 2009 but made a comeback in June 2010. Weaving remarked that balancing this role alongside her other projects became more manageable.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, enacted by Socratis Otto, first appeared on 2 August 2009. Developed by James Walker for a murder-related plotline, Robertson was created to inject humor into the show’s darker themes through his eccentric and witty demeanor. Walker highlighted Robertson's identity as a versatile detective adept at deception, enabling complex investigations involving several characters. Otto utilized his comedic skills and drew inspiration from unconventional TV detectives, describing the role as one of his favorites.

Robertson arrives in Summer Bay as a police detective assigned to investigate the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is the biological father of Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Initially suspecting Ruby's mother, Charlie, he arrests her but later uncovers that her father, Ross, is the true culprit. While Robertson exhibits an oddball and storytelling nature, he remains an effective law enforcement officer. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), but she declines to pursue a relationship.

Returning to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), Robertson teams up with Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill) and focuses suspicion on Alf. He pressures Alf for a confession but lacks conclusive proof. Attempting to revive a romantic connection with Leah, he is rejected due to her unresolved feelings for ex-partner Elijah Johnson (Jay Laga'aia). Robertson manipulates Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into accusing Alf, resulting in Alf's arrest. Nonetheless, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) discredits their evidence, revealing Will as dishonest. Consequently, Robertson releases Alf and charges Will instead.

After professional difficulties, Robertson confides in Leah about losing his sense of self; she comforts him by affirming that errors are part of being human. When offered a promotion with relocation to the city, he invites Leah and her son to join him, but Leah declines.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell, debuted on 10 September 2009. Mitchell earned the role after moving to Sydney without prior employment. Romeo is depicted as charming, cheeky, humorous, and courteous. His on-screen family later expanded to include sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). Romeo’s principal romantic involvement following Annie Campbell is with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Others

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External links

• Present cast and roles on the Official Home and Away site
• Present cast and roles at Holy Soap

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
30 January	Bank manager	Christopher Saunders	Detects unauthorized attempt by Bridget Simmons to access Leah Patterson-Baker's finances.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden aboard a vessel; involved in illicit abalone trading; arrested and attempts to implicate Aden; provides intelligence about Hugo.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police constable conducting a short investigation within 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; dies at sea; Irene initially detained but later cleared.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless individual protecting Melody Jones; supplies vital information to Miles Copeland.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Attacker of Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Resident who refuses interview to safeguard her aged care facility; persuaded by Melody Jones.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Grandmother of Melody Jones; succumbs to stroke during storyline.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participant in speed dating event; briefly connects with Leah before she selects Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Older brother of Joey Collins; struggles with her sexuality; initially unsupportive but later apologizes; blames Charlie Buckton for family difficulties.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Shipwreck survivor engaged in people smuggling alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; assaults Geoff Campbell and Nicole Franklin; eventually apprehended.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Employer at newspaper for Belle Taylor; has affair with Paula causing workplace tension.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Former partner of Robert Cruze who files complaint following abuse; arrives seriously injured in Summer Bay.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Colleague involved in affair with Jerry Thibault; bullies Belle Taylor over pill addiction.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged wife of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou's death.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Wife of Liam Murphy; faces media scrutiny due 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	Mother of Trey Palmer and wife of John Palmer.
13 June–13 July	Clint Mailer	Matt Zeremes	Rugby coach who pressures Aden Jefferies into sabotaging Geoff Campbell’s career under threat of dismissal.
14 July–18 August	Jane Avent	Felicity Price	Grieving mother blaming Rachel Armstrong for stillbirth; kidnaps Rachel’s son Harry prompting police involvement.
14 July–18 August	Rex Avent	Sandy Winton	Jane Avent’s husband; initially defends her actions but acknowledges her need for support after their baby's death.
14 July–26 January 2010	Wayan Rahardjo	Dorje Swallow	Non-English speaking hospital patient linked to Hugo Austin’s illegal operations; used by Angelo Rosetta during investigations.
28 August–11 September	Andy McLeod	Paul Winchester	Member of parent group acquainted with Rachel Armstrong whose friendship causes concern for her husband Tony.
	Sophia McLeod	Madeline Andrews	Andy’s daughter diagnosed with hearing impairment by Rachel Armstrong.
1–16 September	Grant Bledcoe	Clayton Watson	Biological father of Ruby accused of rape by Charlie Buckton; ultimately found dead with Ross Buckton confessing to stabbing.
8 September	Tracey Bledcoe	Mary Anne Byrne	Wife of Grant Bledcoe shocked by allegations against him.
15 September–1 March 2012	Patrick Avery	Clayton Williams	Constable involved in various cases including bailing Sid Walker on assault charges.
18–22 September	Ruby Leeds	Tracie Sammmut	Brendan’s girlfriend supporting his move to independent sheltered housing.
30 September	Jim	Mark Richardson	Briefly appearing hotel manager.
1 October–27 January 2010	Bambang Rahardjo	Joft Prastowo	Wayan’s son assisting Martha MacKenzie on farm work; used as bait during human trafficking investigation.
3 October–26 January 2010	Suzy Sudiro	Tasneem Roc	Ex-wife of Hugo Austin involved in people smuggling ring; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom but subdued by Charlie Buckton.
	Riley Radcliffe	Tani Edgecombe	School bully targeting VJ Patterson leading to police involvement after injuries revealed as inflicted by father Ian.
Ian Radcliffe	Ben Simpson	Denies bullying accusations, injures son Riley blaming Miles Copeland, later exposed and disappears from storyline.
9–24 November	Poppie Merrin	Elouise Blair	Attempts seduction of Liam Murphy leading to false rumors and Liam’s arrest on drug charges.
17–24 November	Reg Merrin	Dane Carson	Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies then fires him after misunderstandings involving daughter Catie.
18–24 November	Catie Merrin	Tess Haubrich	Daughter of Reg Merrin who manipulates situations involving Aden Jefferies causing his dismissal.
19–23 November	Orson Cardillo	Mark Lee (Australian actor)	Longtime gardener for Donna De Bono implicated in framing incident resulting in Donna's imprisonment; suffers heart attack while missing.
20 November	Bonita Cardillo	Suzi Dougherty	Orson Cardillo’s wife defending him amid accusations related to Donna De Bono case.
25 November–18 February 2010	Hazem Kassir	Ben Kermode	Dates Leah Patterson-Baker until victimized in racist attack causing paralysis; ends relationship and moves away from Summer Bay.