Jeannie Truman

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Founder	Reg Watson
Area served	Australia

Neighbours is an Australian soap opera developed by Reg Watson, which premiered on 18 March 1985. The characters introduced in 2001 were all introduced under the direction of executive producer Stanley Walsh. The show's seventeenth season began broadcasting on 15 January 2001. Jess Fielding made her debut in February, followed by Matt Hancock in March. April saw the arrival of his father Evan and Jack Scully; Maggie Hancock was introduced in May, with Larissa Calwell arriving in June. Tim Collins was added to the cast in September, Sandy Allen appeared in October, Mitch Foster was introduced in November, and December featured Liz Conway, Stuart Parker, Elly Conway, along with the first birth of the year, Ben Kirk.

Jess Fielding

Jessica "Jess" Fielding, played by Elisha Gazdowicz, first appeared on-screen on 14 February 2001. Jess was a student at Erinsborough High whose storylines involved accusing teacher Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) of physical assault and being suspected of planting a bomb, generating considerable tension within the series. The Daily Record characterized Jess as a "vixen" and "wild child," dividing audience opinion. Gazdowicz expressed concerns about potential negative perceptions but hoped viewers would ultimately connect with Jess.

Following a poor grade, Jess had a confrontation with Susan Kennedy during which she physically attacked her; Susan defended herself, resulting in Jess being suspended while an inquiry took place. Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton), Jess's boyfriend, witnessed the event and urged her to be honest. Eventually, Jess acknowledged that Susan was not to blame.

As she began Year 12, Jess attracted Tad's interest despite her lack of enthusiasm for academics. Tad uncovered details about her affluent family background and tensions involving her sister Mary and a newborn sibling. When a bomb threat was made at the school, suspicion initially fell on Jess but was later cleared when Colin Rogers was identified as responsible. After disputing a low mark with Susan, Jess stirred controversy by publicizing their confrontation, which led to Susan's suspension before Jess admitted the truth. Following disagreements within her family, Jess sought shelter with Tad; however, he ended their relationship as it became too serious for him.

Matt Hancock

Matthew "Matt" Hancock, brought to life by Stephen Hunt, made his first appearance on 26 March 2001. He was the initial member of the five Hancocks introduced to the series. As the eldest sibling, Matt frequently took on responsibilities akin to an adult within the family setting. Although he was clever and quick-witted, Matt faced difficulties in school, which worried his parents about his future opportunities.

Evan Hancock

Evan Hancock, portrayed by Nicholas Opolski, debuted on 13 April 2001. Created to rejuvenate the cast during several temporary exits, the Hancock family included Evan, his wife Maggie, and their children. Evan entered the storyline as a forward-thinking teacher and committed father who accepted a position at Erinsborough High School.

Having previously divorced Genevieve Murdoch, Evan remarried Maggie, with whom he had two children. The family was designed to represent a typical Australian household. Evan’s progressive teaching approach led to clashes with staff and challenges parenting his children, particularly concerning issues of fairness and discipline.

The Hancocks faced financial difficulties, notably when their son Leo covertly sold essays to pay for breakdancing classes. Initially opposed by Evan, he eventually embraced Leo’s passion for dancing. Marital strains emerged due to Maggie’s academic commitments and outside romantic interests, prompting Evan to contemplate divorce before choosing reconciliation.

Evan won a seat on the local council but became emotionally distant from his family amidst personal and legal troubles involving his sons. Ultimately, the family sold their home and left Ramsay Street in 2002.

Commentators noted Evan’s popularity as a new educator figure and emphasized his major story arcs involving school bullying controversies and complex family relationships.

Jack Scully

Jack Scully, played by Paul Pantano, was introduced on 17 April 2001. Although referenced following the Scully family's introduction in 1999, Jack was later physically portrayed by Pantano. In 2002, Jay Bunyan took over the role after an audition in New Zealand conducted by Jan Russ. The BBC described Jack as "a bit feisty," quickly capturing the attention of local teenage girls upon his arrival in Erinsborough.

Maggie Hancock

Maggie Hancock, enacted by Sally Cooper, first appeared on 9 May 2001. Brought into the show to inject "new energy" amid several regulars’ temporary absences, Maggie serves as the Hancock family matriarch. Married to Evan (Nicholas Opolski), she is mother to Leo and Emily (Isabella Oldham) and stepmother to Chris and Matt (Stephen Hunt). As a law student, Maggie balances her academic pursuits alongside family responsibilities.

The Hancocks moved to Erinsborough when Evan accepted a teaching role at the local high school. Early plots featured Maggie developing a friendship with fellow law student Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), which created tension when romantic feelings surfaced. Despite this complication, Maggie remained devoted to her marriage through various family crises, including a car accident involving Matt and financial hardships.

Professionally, Maggie assisted Libby Kennedy with an unfair dismissal case, showcasing her legal knowledge. However, managing her career alongside domestic life placed strain on her marriage, especially amid Evan’s disputes with neighbors and his ex-wife Genevieve (Julie Campbell). Maggie’s relationship with Toadie grew more intense but ended when loyalty to family took precedence after accidents involving Matt and Leo.

Eventually, financial pressures forced the family to sell their home and relocate to Albury. The BBC highlighted Maggie’s decision to reject Toadie as a pivotal moment in her narrative arc.

Larissa Calwell

Larissa Calwell, brought to life by Leah De Niese, made her first appearance on 11 June 2001. Prior to this role, De Niese had guest-starred in Neighbours as Miranda Starvaggi. Larissa was depicted as a "cunning schemer" and became a pivotal figure in a romantic triangle involving Paul McClain (Jansen Spencer) and Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton). Tad pretended to be Paul while corresponding with Larissa via email, but once the truth was uncovered, Larissa cleverly manipulated the situation by choosing to date both men simultaneously before making her final decision. Both Paul and Tad vied to win her favor during their respective outings.

The plot unfolded when Paul met Larissa in Paris and formed a friendship. Upon returning to Australia, Paul discovered Tad had been responding to Larissa’s emails on his behalf and encouraged him to continue, believing Tad’s personality would be more appealing. Larissa then visited Paul, and their initial date was successful. Following dates saw both men attempting to outshine each other through displays of musical knowledge and DJ skills. When the email deception came to light, Larissa suggested dating both men concurrently to determine her preference; despite initial reluctance, Paul and Tad consented.

Larissa’s first outing with Paul consisted of watching a film and sharing pizza, ending with a kiss. Tad’s date was characterized by spontaneity and excitement. Both men sought additional dates and confided in Felicity Scully (Holly Valance), who advised Larissa to cease her manipulative behavior. After her parents restricted her internet usage, Larissa transitioned from correspondence education to attending Erinsborough High School. She attended one of Paul’s football matches and later encountered Tad performing as a DJ at a nightclub, where she was caught kissing him. This led to a confrontation between the two men; however, they ultimately preserved their friendship by agreeing to ignore Larissa.

Tim Collins

Tim Collins, portrayed by Ben Anderson, first appeared on 27 September 2001. As a practicing attorney, Tim has represented many residents of Ramsay Street and is recognized as an adversary of Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). Media sources have labeled him "ruthless" and "unscrupulous," with some describing him as a "creepy" lawyer. Anderson returned to the role in 2013, receiving critical acclaim for his portrayal. Tim reappeared in the show's final episodes in July 2022, notably informing Shane Ramsay (Peter O'Brien) about Paul Robinson's (Stefan Dennis) questionable past actions.

Tim initially crosses paths with Toadie while employed at Stewart, Whitehead and Moore. After Toadie exposes an insurance company's imminent collapse, Tim departs to establish his own practice, Tim Collins & Associates, bringing Toadie on board. Despite their differences, they collaborate effectively until Tim spends increasing time in Sydney, leaving Toadie responsible for the Melbourne branch. Tim’s leadership style includes initiating billing competitions among staff and showing little compassion during Toadie's panic attack. Eventually, Toadie teams up with colleague Rosetta Cammeniti (Natalie Saleeba) to form their own firm.

Among Tim's clients are Kirsten Gannon (Nikola Dubois) in custody disputes and Paul Robinson during criminal proceedings. He has also provided counsel to Erinsborough Hospital in IVF-related conflicts and handled cases involving Declan Napier (James Sorensen) under no-win-no-fee arrangements. Tim has been involved in significant litigation for Paul, including civil suits following the Lassiter's explosion and efforts either to sue or exonerate Paul's record. He mediates conflicts involving Paul, Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou), and Ezra Hanley (Steve Nation), as well as representing Paul during police inquiries.

Tim’s political pursuits include election to the Erinsborough council and serving as acting mayor. His tenure is marked by controversial closures of community amenities and opposition from Sonya Brennan, who eventually defeats him in a mayoral race. As proprietor of the West Waratah Star newspaper, Tim utilizes the outlet for calculated smear campaigns targeting political adversaries such as Sonya and Paul, exploiting media influence for strategic business gains. He engages in blackmail schemes involving covert recordings but maintains alliances with influential figures like Terese Willis.

Family matters feature prominently in Tim's narrative; his daughter Courtney Grixti's engagement to Paul Robinson is later revealed as a ploy for vengeance. After clearing up misunderstandings, Tim reconciles with Courtney. He also manages delicate interactions with media personalities like Piper Willis amid legal pressures.

Tim offers guidance on intellectual property disputes related to Lassiter’s new uniforms and leverages insider information for client advantage. His rivalry with Toadie intensifies when he undercuts Toadie's representation of a major client, resulting in Tim securing that account himself. In subsequent years, Tim provides Shane Ramsay with incriminating details about Paul Robinson's various misdeeds, reinforcing his position as a formidable legal and political force within Erinsborough’s business environment.

Sandy Allen

Sandy Allen, played by Catherine Hill, made her debut on 5 October 2001. She is introduced as the spouse of John Allen (Adrian Mulraney), who learns he fathered Louise "Lolly" Carpenter with Cheryl Stark. John and Sandy travel to Erinsborough to meet Lolly and eventually gain full custody of her. Sandy takes a position at a nearby nursery and frequently visits the local café, much to the annoyance of Lou Carpenter, Lolly’s previous guardian.

Several years later, after having two children through IVF, Sandy's relationship with Lolly worsens. Harboring resentment toward Lolly as a symbol of John's betrayal, Sandy subjects her to both emotional and physical mistreatment. When Lolly returns to Erinsborough after running away, Sandy consents to care for her, but tensions rise between them. During a heated argument by the pool, Sandy falls in and sustains a head injury; Lolly performs CPR to save her and subsequently confides in Lou about the abuse.

After receiving medical attention, Sandy discovers her belongings have been packed and responds angrily to the accusations. Lou informs her that John and social services have been notified. Ultimately, Sandy departs, losing both her husband and custody of her children.

Mitch Foster

Mitch Foster, portrayed by Hugh Sexton, appeared first on 14 November 2001 as a recurring character. A criminal associate of Larry "Woody" Woodhouse, Mitch was described by a BBC reporter as "sinister" and "an opportunist." He becomes involved with Woody's former girlfriend, Stephanie Scully, who initially defends him against allegations of wrongdoing until she uncovers his deception and ends their relationship. Mitch later commits a robbery at the courier company where Steph is employed and disappears. Afterward, Steph reports him to law enforcement; when a motorbike arrives at her home—assumed to be a gift from Mitch—she decides to cooperate with the authorities. Although police suspect Steph's involvement, once released she seeks out Mitch, believing only he can prove her innocence. The BBC noted Mitch took advantage of Steph’s trusting nature.

Mitch supports Steph when she experiences harassment at a pub and subsequently delivers equipment for Joe Scully at the local garage. He invites Steph on a date and reveals his connection with Woody, unaware that Woody recently died in a car crash. Mitch is evasive about his time in prison but manages to impress Steph’s family despite their initial wariness. He assists Joe with a client threatening his business, and he and Steph plan a trip to Sydney. However, Woody returns from witness protection and exposes Mitch’s manslaughter conviction; distrustful of both men, Steph cuts ties.

Half a year later, an injured Mitch reappears seeking aid from Steph before disappearing after treatment. Following reports of an armed robbery in the media, Mitch threatens Steph at MOCO with a firearm, steals money from the till, and vanishes—casting suspicion on Steph for the crime. Steph and Stuart Parker find Mitch critically wounded; Stuart secretly records Mitch admitting Steph’s innocence. This evidence leads to Mitch’s arrest after he apologizes to Steph.

A BBC writer identified Mitch’s most memorable moment as "holding up MOCO and robbing Steph." Critics observed that this storyline reinforced Steph’s recurring pattern of becoming involved with problematic individuals who damage her reputation.

Liz Conway

Liz Conway made her debut on 5 December 2001, initially portrayed by Christine Keogh. Introduced as the elder sister of Susan Kennedy, Liz comes to Erinsborough requesting Susan's help in caring for her teenage daughter during her time overseas. In June 2018, it was announced that Debra Lawrance would return to the role for a longer guest appearance. Lawrance characterized Liz as "self-centered, quite selfish, and somewhat flighty," which contrasts sharply with Susan's personality.

Liz reappears to reconnect with her daughters, Elly Conway and Bea Nilsson. After their mother's passing, Liz and Susan's relationship had been strained. Liz married Ian Conway, with whom she had Elly. She relocated to Sweden for work purposes, leaving Elly in Susan’s care. Later on, Liz discloses that she has a new partner named Lars and is expecting another child. When Elly suspects that Karl Kennedy could be her father, Liz reassures her that Ian is indeed her biological father. Eventually, Liz takes Elly back to Sweden.

After a lapse of sixteen years, Liz comes back upon discovering that Finn Kelly manipulated her daughters and learning that Bea had experienced homelessness at age 15. Friction arises when Bea uncovers that Liz wanted her gone because she reminded her of Lars, her father. Although Susan encourages reconciliation, Liz’s actions—including fabricating an incident about an attack—intensify the discord. Before departing again, Liz offers apologies to her daughters; Susan accompanies her to help confront unresolved issues from their past.

During a Christmas visit with Susan and the family, Liz reveals she has quit drinking and expresses a desire to support them amid Susan’s ongoing legal challenges. She flirts with Bea’s boyfriend Ned Willis and also with Mark Brennan. Upon finding a love note from Chloe Brennan addressed to Elly, Liz advises Chloe to keep her emotions private, labeling her behavior as selfish.

Liz’s character brings complexity to the family dynamics and personal conflicts within the storyline, enriching the Kennedy family narrative.

Elly Conway

Elly Conway first appeared on 13 December 2001, originally played by Kendell Nunn. She is known as the "rebellious niece" of Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). A writer from Neighbours.com described Elly as "intelligent, perceptive, and a little bit rebellious." On 28 April 2016, it was revealed that Jodi Anasta would return to portray Elly under a three-year contract, making her comeback on 18 July 2016. Now a schoolteacher like her aunt Susan, Anasta commented that the role fulfills a childhood ambition while allowing her to play a character who is fun and somewhat mischievous.

Stuart Parker

Stuart Parker, played by Blair McDonough, first appeared on 13 December 2001. McDonough was cast following his runner-up finish on the inaugural season of Big Brother Australia and initially agreed to a three-month contract that was later extended to six months. Hailing from Oakey, Stuart is introduced as the younger brother of one of Drew Kirk’s friends and follows Drew to Erinsborough. McDonough noted parallels between himself and Stuart, describing him as a straightforward individual who enjoys having fun. Dan Silkstone of The Age referred to Stuart as a "good-natured country lad." In 2002, McDonough earned a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Male Talent.

Ben Kirk

Ben Kirk, brought to life by Noah Sutherland, first appeared on 14 December 2001. He is the offspring of Libby Kennedy (played by Kym Valentine) and Drew Kirk (portrayed by Dan Paris). Ben's delivery posed a serious risk to Libby's health, necessitating intensive medical care due to significant blood loss, though she eventually recovered fully. Valentine commended Sutherland as "a natural talent" and highlighted their instant connection. Paris confessed that collaborating with an infant was initially intimidating. Subsequently, Blake O'Leary took over the role. According to a writer from Network Ten, Ben stands as his mother's "most steadfast supporter and foundation."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
16 January–15 February	Jeannie Truman	Libby Stone	Mother to Allana and Clementine Truman; her protective nature causes tension in Allana's relationship with Lance Wilkinson, though they eventually reconcile. Jeannie funds Lance and Allana’s journey to America.
16 January–15 March	Richie Hampson	Michael O'Malley	A sales representative for Beauty Tree who deceives Lyn Scully into investing; Teresa Bell initially places trust in him before uncovering his self-centered agenda.
19 January–2 February	Alice Jamison	Pip Sallabank	Partner and co-owner of Darcy Tyler's medical clinic; arrives in Erinsborough warning Dee Bliss against Darcy, but her relationship with Darcy deteriorates, culminating in a breakup.
20–21 February	Fergus MacLeod	Tommy Dysart	Drew Kirk’s great uncle from Scotland; attends Drew and Libby’s wedding and participates in traditional festivities including a Robert Burns poem recital and musical performance.
21 February	Sally Kirk	Niobe Dean	Siblings of Drew Kirk who visit for his wedding.
	Stuart Kirk	Stephen Godfrey
21 February–12 April	Reverend Loftus	Bill Johnston	Conducts the wedding ceremony for Libby Kennedy and Drew Kirk as well as Madge Bishop’s funeral service.
1–22 March	Glen Goldman	Gerard Cogley	Radio DJ hosting a quiz show featuring Lance Wilkinson; offers increasing cash rewards which Lance wins reluctantly, revealing the contest was rigged.
6 March–5 July 2002	Nathan Tyson	Luke Hemsworth	Football player for Eastside Dingoes who uses steroids; intimidates teammate Paul McClain into silence, is dismissed after refusing a drug test, later employed as a bailiff repossessing goods for debts.
29 March, 6 April	Steve Crandall	Travis Clark	MOCO delivery driver laid off due to company downsizing; Steph Scully initially favors him over Dave Patrick but learns about his family circumstances; Steve resigns after securing a better position.
30 March	Dave Patrick	Chris Gaffney	Longtime MOCO driver threatened with redundancy; Steph plans to dismiss him but reverses decision upon learning of his wife's passing; Steve Crandall quits instead.
6 April	Brian Curtis	Ron Bingham	Food critic evaluating Lou's Place for a pub competition; impressed by a special dish honoring terminally ill Madge Bishop, placing the establishment on the shortlist.
17 April–17 May	Veronica Anderson	Monika Karwan	Shares housing with Teresa Bell; develops an unhealthy obsession with Drew Kirk reminiscent of her late husband; her father Gordon intervenes to take her home for treatment.
20–26 April	Elly Turnbull	Cherise Donovan	Classmate of Michelle Scully and mathematics prodigy; upset when teacher Daniel Fitzgerald departs but develops an affection for his replacement Evan Hancock.
20 April–11 May	Aleks Rama	Dean Ali	Close friend of Leo Hancock; stays with the Hancock family while his parents are away in Albania.
23 April–13 September	Barry Burke	David Whiteley	Associate of criminal Kev Kelly sent to intimidate witness Larry Woodhouse; escalates harassment leading Woody into Witness Protection; presumed dead after car accident but later revealed alive while Barry dies.

... [Table continues with similar compressed entries]

External links

• Official AU Neighbours site: Characters and cast
• Official UK Neighbours site: Characters and cast
• Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database