Jeannie Woods

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 premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section details the characters who were introduced in 2016, listed according to their debut dates. All these characters were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 29th season started broadcasting on 1 February 2016. The character Dylan Carter made his first appearance in the opening episode of the season. In March, Isla Schultz and Lindsay Ford were introduced. May saw the arrival of Mick Jennings and Tori Morgan, with her brothers—Brody, Justin, and Mason Morgan—joining the cast in June. July featured the debut of Tabitha Ford, while September brought in siblings Hope Morrison and Raffy Morrison. In November, Jeannie Woods was introduced, followed by Justin's daughter, Ava Gilbert, in December.

Dylan Carter

Dylan Carter, played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, made his initial appearance on 1 February 2016. His casting was revealed on 5 August 2015. Dylan serves as a detective collaborating with Katarina Chapman (Pia Miller) in Summer Bay. Jeremy Lindsay Taylor described the character as multifaceted, with strong ties to the Bay. He returned to the role in 2017, particularly for storylines involving Robbo (Jake Ryan) and his memory loss that September. Another guest appearance occurred in September 2019.

Dylan spearheaded the inquiry into Charlotte King's (Erika Heynatz) murder alongside his former partner Katarina and Mike Emerson (Cameron Stewart). Despite previous abuse causing strain between them, Kat cooperated fully during the investigation. They interrogated several suspects including Martin Ashford (George Mason), Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen), and Hunter King (Scott Lee). Ultimately, Zac was charged after incriminating footage surfaced.

Legal counsel Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) revealed that Dylan had engaged in judicial impropriety by coercing a judge to refuse Zac bail, which resulted in Dylan’s suspension from duty. Following escalating tensions, Dylan assaulted Ash and took Kat, Ash, and Billie hostage before authorities apprehended him.

Subsequent plotlines connected Dylan to an abandoned vessel tied to Robbo’s amnesia. Flashbacks from Robbo depicted a violent encounter with Dylan, who had faked his own death. Dylan later emerged as the orchestrator behind Robbo’s abduction; however, both men were detained by federal agents after their involvement with the Ouroboros gang came to light. Weeks afterward, reports confirmed Dylan’s death while incarcerated.

Isla Schultz

Isla Schultz, brought to life by singer Samantha Jade, made her first appearance on 3 March 2016. Jade’s casting was revealed on 5 September 2015, with filming commencing soon after. Her portrayal concluded in November 2016. Jade characterized Isla as somewhat mischievous—a "bad girl" with a troubled history, yet ultimately possessing good intentions.

Isla arrives in Summer Bay harboring "malicious motives" and becomes romantically involved with Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). She discloses that she is employed by Dave Rogers, a figure to whom Kyle is indebted. When threats intensify, Isla and Kyle are abducted and forced to excavate their own graves, but they manage to escape. Kyle offers Isla refuge, leading to a deepening of their relationship.

Isla’s ex-partner, Harry Kingswood (Wayne Bradley), brings their daughters for a visit. Following disputes over custody, Isla is discovered working at a brothel but consents to return the children to Harry. As Harry plans to relocate interstate, Isla attempts to burglarize the Reefton Lakes golf club but is intercepted by Kyle. To safeguard Isla’s future with her children, Kyle takes the blame and is arrested for the crime.

Upon learning from Ricky Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen) about Kyle’s thirteen-year prison sentence, Isla commits to honoring his sacrifice, describing him as "the best man she has ever known" before leaving.

Lindsay Ford

Lindsay Ford, portrayed by Georgia Flood, debuted on 17 March 2016. Flood was cast in October 2015 and accepted the role due to its compelling nature. She found filming enjoyable and expressed openness to returning.

Lindsay reaches out to Hunter King (Scott Lee), who initially rebuffs her attempts. She visits the caravan park, introduces herself to Hunter’s girlfriend Olivia (Raechelle Banno), and reveals she assisted Hunter when he left Summer Bay. Lindsay intends to stay but insists she will not interfere in Hunter and Olivia’s relationship. However, she later confesses to Olivia that she shared a kiss with Hunter, creating friction. Lindsay’s subsequent actions—including organizing a beach party and manipulating circumstances—lead to Hunter and Olivia’s breakup. After stealing Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) ute and causing injury to Hunter, Lindsay flees; Olivia warns her to leave town or face legal consequences.

Mick Jennings

Mick Jennings, enacted by Kristian Schmid, first appeared on 5 May 2016 as the long-lost son of established character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Irene had previously disclosed a teenage pregnancy resulting from rape, with the child given up for adoption. Mick later emerges as Billie Ashford’s (Tessa de Josselin) rapist, leading to a dark narrative described by critics as "twisted" and villainous.

Mick arrives under false pretenses, claiming kinship with Chris Harrington (Johnny Ruffo). Suspicious of Irene, he kidnaps her in an attempt to coerce a relationship; however, she escapes and he is apprehended. DNA testing confirms Mick as Irene’s son. After his release from psychiatric care, Mick violates an AVO and is arrested once more. Upon learning he fathered Billie’s daughter Luc Patterson, Mick abducts the infant but ultimately returns her to Irene and surrenders himself.

Several months later, Mick seeks Irene’s support for parole but is refused. After release, he remains in Summer Bay but encounters hostility due to his past actions. Efforts at reconciliation fail; Mick hires legal representation to pursue custody of Luc. Following confrontations with Billie’s brother Martin Ashford and other locals, Mick agrees to accept employment at a mine in Western Australia. Irene accompanies him for support after he suffers an accident at the mine months later.

Tori Morgan

Tori Morgan, portrayed by Penny McNamee, made her debut on 5 May 2016. The announcement of McNamee's casting was made public on 22 November 2015. Describing the role as her "dream job," McNamee commenced filming in early November and expressed appreciation for the support from co-star Georgie Parker. Tori is introduced as a doctor searching for a new beginning in Summer Bay, carrying "dark secrets." She is the first of the Morgan siblings to arrive, tasked with determining whether it is safe for her brothers to join her.

Brody Morgan

Brody Morgan, played by Jackson Heywood, appeared for the first time on 7 June 2016. Heywood, who had previously appeared in 2009 as Lachie Cladwell, was cast alongside James Stewart and Orpheus Pledger, who portray Brody’s brothers. Their casting was revealed on 5 December 2015. Filming commenced during the week of 7 December. Heywood anticipated that viewers might compare the Morgans to the Braxton brothers but emphasized that their family dynamic is distinct. Brody’s character is an ambitious chef.

Justin Morgan

Justin Morgan, enacted by James Stewart, also debuted on 7 June 2016. His casting, alongside his on-screen siblings played by Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger, was announced on 5 December 2015, with filming starting the week of 7 December. This role marked Stewart’s return to acting after taking a year off to care for his daughter. Stewart focused on establishing a fresh family dynamic rather than competing with prior groups such as the Braxton brothers. In August 2017, he was longlisted for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards, although he did not progress to the final shortlist.

Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan, portrayed by Orpheus Pledger, first appeared on-screen on 7 June 2016. His casting was revealed alongside those of his television brothers. To take on this role, Pledger relocated from Melbourne to Sydney. Mason is characterized as a medical student who balances rigorous academic commitments with fitness training, maintaining an optimistic attitude while standing firm in his principles.

Tabitha Ford

Tabitha Ford, played by Eliza Scanlen, featured as a recurring student character from 21 July to 27 September 2016. Known for her manipulative and antagonistic behavior at Summer Bay High, Tabitha’s storyline centered around psychological manipulation of fellow student Olivia Fraser Richards and efforts to sabotage Olivia’s relationship with Hunter King. Her actions included altering exam results and impersonating Olivia's abuser to coerce her, which escalated to police involvement and ultimately led to Tabitha’s departure to boarding school. Her character brought themes of rivalry and emotional tension among the show's younger characters.

Hope Morrison

Hope Morrison, portrayed by Jessica Falkholt, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016. Introduced as a waitress with family connections in the Bay—including her uncle Atticus Decker and cousin Raffy Morrison—Hope’s storyline involved conflict and criminal elements. After an initial violent confrontation with Justin Morgan, she becomes involved in a kidnapping scheme orchestrated by Spike Lowe. Spike impersonates Hope's husband to gain access to Decker in hospital and attempts to murder him but is apprehended.

Following these events, Hope and Raffy move in with Kat and Phoebe Nicholson, though Hope’s conduct creates tension within these relationships. She secures part-time employment at Justin’s garage but engages in credit card fraud using customers’ details, resulting in her arrest for theft. Upon release, she discovers that Raffy is actually Decker's daughter—and thus her half-sister.

After stealing a car and sustaining serious injuries requiring surgery, Hope warns Raffy not to place trust in the Morgans despite their familial ties. The sisters plan to leave Summer Bay; however, Hope is caught stealing money from Salt and faces arrest once more. While held in remand, she struggles with solitary confinement and accidentally overdoses on stolen sleeping pills, leading to hospitalization.

Before being returned to prison, Hope apologizes to Phoebe and entrusts her with Raffy’s care, urging Raffy to trust the Morgan family. One year later, Hope maintains contact by sending Raffy a handmade birthday card.

Raffy Morrison

Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016. Deeble moved from Melbourne to Sydney specifically for the role and was contracted for three years. She opted not to extend her contract, with her final episode airing on 12 September 2019.

Raffy's narrative explores intricate family relationships; she learns through DNA testing that she is the half-sister of the Morgan siblings, with Kate Lee as her mother and Atticus Decker as her father. Following traumatic incidents, including the abduction and imprisonment of her sister Hope, Raffy relocates to the Farmhouse alongside several other characters and enrolls at Summer Bay High.

Her storyline addresses personal struggles such as dealing with Brody Morgan's substance abuse issues, which prompts Raffy to move in with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. She encounters bullying at school and faces a threatening situation involving a former student named Mackenzie, from which Robbo intervenes to save her.

Raffy broadens her social connections by befriending Coco Astoni and enters a romantic relationship with Ty Anderson. This relationship concludes when Ty discloses that he is gay. Subsequently, Raffy dates Ryder Jackson, but their romance ends due to conflicting commitments.

A pivotal health arc reveals Raffy's epilepsy diagnosis after she suffers a head injury during a camping trip. To help control her seizures, her brother Mason develops an epilepsy oil but later faces arrest on drug possession charges.

Throughout her time on the show, Raffy also contends with family secrets such as Brody's infidelity and provides support to her siblings amid various crises, including Tori Morgan’s pregnancy and involvement in witness protection. Eventually, Raffy accepts participation in a medical trial in Victoria and departs Summer Bay to live with Brody and Simone Bedford.

Raffy's character evolution highlights resilience in the face of familial upheaval, health complications, and young adult relationships—elements that enriched the storyline and resonated with viewers.

Jeannie Woods

Jeannie Woods, portrayed by Anna Bamford, first appeared on 1 November 2016 and remained on the show for about six weeks. She was introduced as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), arriving in Summer Bay after receiving an invitation from Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast) to participate in a charity volleyball event.

Jeannie initially bonds with Brody when she assists him in gathering barbecue items he dropped. She signs up for the volleyball match, partnering with Matt Page (Alec Snow), while Brody offers Evelyn $1000 to team up with Jeannie. After briefly disappearing, Jeannie returns to interview for a position at Brody’s restaurant. Although their initial interaction is somewhat tense, Brody hires her, and mutual attraction develops during her training period. A socially awkward incident causes Jeannie to resign, but Brody persuades her to remain, leading to the start of their relationship.

Jeannie’s personal difficulties surface when she confides that her parents have disowned her. Her father, Randall (Paul Ceaser), appears later, introducing conflict due to his survivalist ideology. Jeannie and Brody keep their relationship secret for a time but eventually part ways following disagreements related to Randall’s beliefs. Jeannie then leaves the restaurant to accept employment in Yabbie Creek.

Ava Gilbert

Ava Gilbert made her debut on 8 December 2016 as Justin Morgan’s (James Stewart) daughter. Initially played by Grace Thomas, the character was subsequently portrayed by Alice Roberts before being recast with Annabel Wolfe in February 2023 to accommodate more mature story arcs as Ava entered her teenage years. Her return to the Bay centers on the intricate relationship with her father and introduces fresh interactions involving his apprentice, Theo Poulos. Wolfe highlighted that the storyline delves into authentic father-daughter struggles, showcasing Ava’s physical and emotional development, which generates friction as they attempt to connect. Ava’s defiant behavior and online activities trigger conflicts, with Theo and Kirby Aramoana stepping in to support her youthful romantic interest. Ava is scheduled to reappear for Justin’s wedding to Leah in April 2024.

Ava’s initial storyline features her returning Justin’s cap and affirming their familial bond after arriving from the city. She forms connections with Justin’s fiancée Phoebe Nicholson and sister Raffy Morrison but experiences tension with her stepfather Brian Gilbert, culminating in a dramatic moment when she is struck by a car. Following Nina and Brian's departure from town, Ava remains with Justin and develops a friendship with Scarlett Snow. Later, she reconnects with Justin’s girlfriend Willow Harris but is abducted by Boyd Easton; Justin and Colby Thorne successfully rescue her. After Justin and Willow's breakup, Nina limits Ava’s communication with Justin.

Upon moving back in with Justin, Ava initially shows resistance toward his new partner Leah Patterson but gradually develops a rapport through shared experiences. Family discord surfaces as Brian moves out following an argument with Nina. Justin provides support during these transitions, facilitating dialogue between her parents and organizing camping trips. When Justin’s sister Tori Morgan is hospitalized, he takes Ava to visit relatives in Yarra Valley before returning her to Nina. Prior to undergoing spinal surgery, Justin spends meaningful time with Ava before sending her back to the city, demonstrating his protective nature amid health concerns.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Scenario
			Louisa invites Josh Barrett for an afternoon with her HSC friends. When Josh tends to Casey Braxton, Louisa, Glen Day, and Adriana Kerr visit his home. Louisa turns off the baby monitor to spend uninterrupted time with Josh despite Casey’s crying.
			Glen and Adriana spend time alongside Louisa and Josh. Glen departs for work; Louisa encourages Adriana to follow him so she can be alone with Josh.
			The Psychiatric Nurse permits Skye Peters to see her mother Carol and informs her that Carol can hear despite her condition.
18 February			Destiny goes on a first date with Chris Harrington at the diner. Upon hearing Chris discuss his ex, Destiny realizes he has unresolved feelings and leaves.
25 February			Coach McKinnon intervenes to stop a fight during a high school basketball game and sends VJ Patterson off the court.
2 March	Zara Leonard	Georgia Nichols	Oscar MacGuire notices Zara at Angelo's and discusses their university course together. Later, Skye Peters observes them kissing on the balcony.
	Claire Lewis	Anita Hegh	Claire visits Irene Roberts claiming to be her daughter. After DNA tests disprove this, Claire departs but forms a bond with Irene who offers her accommodation.
	Harry Kingswood	Wayne Bradley	Harry brings Florence and Lulu Kingswood to Summer Bay for a visit with their mother Isla Schultz. After Isla takes the girls without consent, Kyle Braxton persuades her to return them.
		Charlee Kwintner
	Lulu Kingswood	Mia Kwintner
17 March	Alessia De Luca	Bridgette Hollitt	Alessia attends a university party at Angelo's introduced by Maddy Osborne. She flirts with and kisses Oscar MacGuire on the balcony.
	Tanya Hardy	Ashleigh O'Brien	Tanya meets Oscar after Alessia leaves the party. When Skye mentions Oscar was previously with another girl, Tanya walks away.
22–31 March	Drew Panton	Govinda Roser-Finch	Drew attends Lindsay Ford's beach party, hired to make advances toward Olivia Fraser Richards for a photo intended to provoke Hunter King. He later admits disliking Lindsay and attending solely for free alcohol.
	Dom Loneragan	Lindsay Farris	Photographer friend of Ricky Sharpe; engaged for Ricky's wedding photoshoot and hospital fundraiser. Dom flirts with Phoebe Nicholson; they survive an explosion together and begin dating. Dom reveals he has a daughter named Bella. His estranged wife Tess arrives; Phoebe ends their relationship upon realizing Dom still loves Tess.
20 April	Womma	Dean Kyrwood	Kat Chapman and Martin Ashford confront Womma after discovering Dylan Carter paid him to intimidate witnesses and sabotage businesses.
21 April–9 March 2020		Nicholas Cassim	McCarthy replaces Sergeant Mike Emerson in Summer Bay. He manages workplace complaints involving Dylan Carter and advises Kat Chapman to report any issues encountered.
12 May–8 June		Teagan Croft	Dom's daughter Bella initially rejects Phoebe Nicholson but eventually accepts their relationship. Bella's mother Tess arrives in Summer Bay; tensions arise as Tess reveals infidelity during Navy deployment.
	Alexandra Newman	Kate Fraser	Alexandra is hospitalized due to fetal distress and delivers a girl named after Nate Cooper and Tori Morgan.
		Uncredited
17 May 2016 – 10 April 2017		Karen Pang	Dr Chung conducts interviews for head of emergency medicine, prescribes medication for Roo Stewart, manages hospital budget cuts leading to staff layoffs, and addresses medical negligence cases including Billie Ashford's death.
	}	Uncredited	Andrew and Kathy are admitted following gunshot wounds sustained during an armed robbery; Andrew briefly flatlines but recovers.
	}	Susan Boyd
	}	Sophie Roche	Tess is Dom's wife and Bella's mother; she visits Summer Bay seeking reconciliation with Dom and meets Phoebe Nicholson.
7 June 2016–12 July 2021	}	Himself/Buddy	The Morgan family’s boxer dog; involved in significant storylines including accidentally ingesting methamphetamine pills. The dog actor Buddy passed away in May 2025.
9 June	}	Beth Aubrey	Janette informs John Palmer about Skye Peters’ contact with DHS and change of address; clarifies Skye’s privacy rights upon turning sixteen.
13 June, 20 February 2018	Nurse Erica	Claudia Barrie	Nurse Erica questions Tori Morgan’s intentions regarding Nate Cooper; addresses staff gossip about Tori’s involvement in Nate’s marriage breakdown; treats Maggie Astoni following chemotherapy reactions.
14 June–12 July	}	Elle Harris	Lara reconnects with ex-boyfriend Mason Morgan; later revealed as working for antagonists targeting the Morgans; involved in Mason's kidnapping prior to arrest.
23 June–14 July	}	Ash Ricardo	Danika supervises teenagers on community service; confiscates Hunter King's phone; begins a casual relationship with Nate Cooper after inviting him to lunch.
23 June–26 July	}	Benny Turland	Jordan completes community service facing challenges including dehydration and foster placement; forms bonds with foster parents John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers; reconciles with estranged father Aaron Walsh before relocating back to the city.
27 June	}	Ella Rose Corby	Medical student observing group assignments; commends Nate Cooper’s medical skills during discussion with Mason Morgan.
28 June–10 November	}	James O'Connell	Engaged in car rebirthing schemes alongside Andy Barrett; blackmails Martin Ashford and Kat Chapman; escalates criminal acts leading to violent confrontations.
29 June–20 September	}	Jason Montgomery	Antagonist stalking the Morgans; drugs Nate Cooper; holds family hostage demanding syndicate book; arrested after multiple crimes including kidnapping attempts.
5 July 2016 – 2 February 2017	}	Vanessa Buckley	Hospital nurse assisting main characters during emergencies including minor injuries from arrests and unconscious guards.
5 July	}	Andrew Den	Helps Andy Barrett facilitate Josh Barrett's escape from police custody through diversion tactics during court proceedings.
11–12 July	}	Ashley Lyons	Blaine holds the Morgan family hostage demanding information about their past crimes before being apprehended by police.
12 July–1 December

External links

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