Josie Greenwood

Neighbours

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

Neighbours is a well-known Australian soap opera created by Reg Watson, which premiered on 18 March 1985. This segment outlines characters introduced in 1998, all under the guidance of executive producer Stanley Walsh. The show's 14th season began broadcasting on 19 January 1998. Notable character debuts included Sally Upton in February; Nicholas Atkins and Drew Kirk in March; Joel Samuels and Veronica Olenski in May; Karen Oldman and Mike Healey in August; followed by Tad Reeves and Geri Hallett in November.

Sally Upton

Sally Upton, brought to life by Sally Davis, made her first appearance on 23 February 1998. Prior to this, Davis had portrayed Alison Nova. Sally was introduced primarily as a romantic interest for Joel Samuels (Daniel MacPherson). Although initially incompatible, their relationship grew stronger following the shared experience of her mother’s death.

Described as "opinionated" and somewhat "pushy," Sally was employed as an assistant at UniFM, the university radio station at Erinsborough University, where she worked alongside Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). Toadie introduced her to Joel, sparking Sally’s affection for him. Their connection deepened when she opened up about her mother’s passing but later encountered difficulties due to jealousy over Joel’s close ties with Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine) and conflicts involving Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles). Grieving and confused, Sally misread Joel’s compassion, suspected him of cheating, and consequently ended their relationship.

Subsequently, Sally tried to start a relationship with Drew Kirk (Dan Paris), but he declined because of his friendship with Joel. After Joel was hospitalized, misunderstandings about Sally's intentions increased tensions. To prevent complicating Joel’s recovery process, Sally chose to cease contact.

A BBC commentator noted that Sally's most memorable scene involved "bursting in on Drew while he was changing and attempting to kiss him."

Nicholas Atkins

Nicholas "Nick" Atkins, portrayed by Jason Crewes, entered the series on 12 March 1998. At the time, Crewes was also appearing in the soap Breakers. Nick was the third member of the Atkins family to be introduced and immediately stirred conflict by confronting his sister Caitlin Atkins (Emily Milburn) about her romantic involvement. Early plotlines featured Nick impersonating Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) and facing allegations of assault that were later dismissed, leaving him feeling resentful and uncertain about continuing his teaching career at Erinsborough High.

Nick's exit was publicized in the 23–29 May 1998 edition of TV Week; both he and Caitlin departed Erinsborough together to return to Adelaide, with a notable farewell scene showing Caitlin painting a goodbye message on the road. Their final episode aired on 24 June 1998. Tony Johnston described Nick as "handsome," while Peter Grant from the Liverpool Echo dubbed him a "big bad brother." Stephen Murphy of Inside Soap commented that Nick and Caitlin left a strong impression on Erinsborough.

Nick arrived intending to care for Caitlin as she attempted to elope with her boyfriend Josh Hughes (Sullivan Stapleton), soon clashing with his brother Ben (Brett Cousins) over who should assume responsibility for her. At Toadie's request, Nick briefly impersonated him to impress Karen Oldman (Pia Miranda), a fan of Toadie, before confessing the truth. When Ben relocated, Nick took full charge of Caitlin's welfare, obtained a teaching position at Erinsborough High School, and settled into the local community.

He formed a friendship with fellow teacher Jacquie Boyd (Amy Lapin), which caused friction with Caitlin. After intervening in a student altercation involving Mickey Dalton (Trent Fowler), Nick faced an assault lawsuit filed by Mickey’s mother Jean Dalton (Joanne Canning) and was suspended pending investigation. Following his exoneration, Nick returned but began questioning his future as an educator. Upon their mother's return from the Middle East, Nick informed Caitlin they would be relocating back to Adelaide despite her objections.

Drew Kirk

Drew Kirk, brought to life by Dan Paris, made his first appearance on 27 March 1998. This was Paris's initial audition, which led to him immediately landing the part, with a contract extending until March 2002. Originating from Oakey, Drew is depicted as a rural individual who moved to Erinsborough to take up a position at Carpenter Mechanics, succeeding Ben Atkins (Brett Cousins). Critics have characterized Drew as a "spunky rival" and described him as "kind-hearted, innocent, and handsome." The producers insisted that Paris retain Drew's signature long hair, which contributed to the character's distinctive "hippy" appearance.

Joel Samuels

Joel Samuels, portrayed by Daniel MacPherson, first appeared on 13 May 1998. MacPherson secured the role after an audition with casting director Jan Russ, who suggested creating a character tailored for him. At the age of seventeen, he moved from Sydney to Melbourne to join the production. Annette Dasey of Inside Soap depicted Joel as "attractive, approachable, amiable and an accomplished triathlete," labeling him a "heart-throb," although MacPherson remarked that Joel’s romantic setbacks were due to his innocence. For his portrayal, MacPherson received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 1999 Logie Awards.

Veronica Olenski

Veronica Olenski, enacted by Caroline Lloyd, featured intermittently from 18 May 1998 until 29 October 2009. As a doctor specializing in gynaecology at Erinsborough Hospital, her storylines focused on treating prominent characters and managing intricate personal situations. Her husband, Greg Michaels (Nick Farnell), engaged in an affair with Veronica’s patient Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner), sparking tensions that impacted charity events Veronica was leading.

Dr. Olenski provided medical care to athletes such as Caitlin Atkins (Emily Milburn) and Joel Samuels, notably diagnosing Joel with a knee injury that ended his sporting career. She treated individuals involved in accidents, including Libby Kennedy and Brendan Bell, delivering Libby’s child and saving her during cardiac arrest. Additionally, she assisted in the births of babies for Oscar Scully, Ashley Thomas, and Charlie Hoyland. A significant incident involved her unintentionally exposing Izzy Hoyland’s pregnancy secret through a voicemail message.

During an emergency hospital fire, Dr. Olenski delivered Sky Mangel’s baby under critical conditions. She provided treatment for Pepper Steiger’s cervical dysplasia and mistakenly diagnosed Susan Kennedy with menopause instead of multiple sclerosis. She performed ultrasounds for pregnant characters including Carmella Cammeniti, who had her daughter via caesarean section, and confirmed the pregnancy of Rosetta Cammeniti after initial uncertainty.

Her professional duties intertwined with personal conflicts when she confronted Stephanie Scully about Greg’s infidelity, leading to public disagreements and a physical confrontation before attempts at reconciliation followed. Dr. Olenski advised Susan Kennedy against acting as a surrogate mother due to the risks associated with MS, navigating hospital politics concerning media involvement and IVF treatments. Ultimately, she conducted IVF procedures for Susan and cared for newborn India Napier (Alia and Gabriella De Vercelli).

Karen Oldman

Karen Oldman, brought to life by Pia Miranda, first appeared on 13 August 1998 in Neighbours. This role marked Miranda's television debut, coming three years after she completed drama school. Miranda regarded the role as an important learning opportunity, emphasizing the intense script demands and the pressure involved.<ref>She mentioned that Karen was Toadfish Rebecchi's (Ryan Moloney) "first significant romance," which ended following an affair.<ref>

Karen is introduced as a freshman at Eden Hills University who initially confuses Nick Atkins (Jason Crewes) with Toadie because of Nick’s radio program. To avoid an encounter with Karen, Toadie and Nick fabricate a story where Nick pretends to date her. When the truth comes out, Karen is hurt but eventually begins a relationship with Toadie.

Later, Karen becomes attracted to Sarah Beaumont's (Nicola Charles) boyfriend Alex Fenton (Guy Hooper), leading to an affair that ends both their existing relationships. Afterward, Karen returns and reconciles with Toadie. He proposes that she pilot a flying machine he co-owns with Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver) in order to win money for a trip to Bali. However, after an incident involving a helium doll, she declines the offer. Testing a newer version of the machine also proves unsuccessful.

Ultimately, Karen opts to relocate to New Zealand with her family. Although she and Toadie attempt to maintain a long-distance relationship, she ends it months later, leaving Toadie devastated.

Mike Healey

Mike Healey, played by Andrew Blackman, made his debut on 17 August 1998. Introduced as a romantic interest for Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine), Mike’s relationship was controversial due to his role as her university lecturer and their significant age difference. The romance was further complicated by Mike’s ongoing involvement with his estranged wife, with whom he shared a child. Valentine described the storyline as promising "a lot of drama" amidst various crises. A BBC Neighbours profile emphasized Mike’s key plotline of impregnating his ex-wife while dating Libby. An Inside Soap columnist referred to him as "just the latest in a long line of rotters who caused Libby heartache."

While serving as a lecturer at Eden Hills University, Mike and student Libby pursued a secret relationship because of their age gap and professional risks. When Libby’s lie about horse-riding led to her being reported missing, she disclosed their relationship. Libby's family arranged a dinner to meet Mike; her father Karl (Alan Fletcher) disapproved upon learning Mike had a young daughter, Sasha (Chelsea Driessen). Meeting Sasha made Libby reconsider the relationship, but Mike reassured her he harbored no feelings for his ex-wife, Victoria (Tamar Kelly), despite still socializing with her. To demonstrate his commitment, Mike rented Number 32 where their bond grew stronger.

Mike’s mother Bianca (Joy Mitchell) told Libby she could never replace Victoria. Mike falsely claimed Bianca had softened her stance toward Libby, which was untrue. Although Libby developed a bond with Sasha, Mike’s behavior changed. Drew Kirk (Dan Paris) caught Mike cheating with Victoria and confronted him physically but chose not to tell Libby to spare her feelings. Libby demanded that Mike divorce Victoria if they were to continue their relationship; both initially agreed. However, when Sasha revealed Victoria was expecting another child, Libby realized Mike’s infidelity and ended things. Despite his efforts to patch things up, Libby refused, recognizing she would always be second in his life. Following this, Mike moved out of Number 32.

Tad Reeves

Wayne "Tad" Reeves, brought to life by Jonathon Dutton, made his debut on 16 November 1998. Introduced as Tadpole, the younger cousin of Toadfish Rebecchi, this character was designed to add a new mischievous element as Toadie grew older. At sixteen, Dutton, who had previously appeared in a guest role on Neighbours, was cast and received educational support on set to continue his schooling. Denise Everton of the Illawarra Mercury characterized Tad as "sociable." Dutton highlighted that one of his most demanding story arcs involved Tad's realization that he was adopted.

Geri Hallett

Geri Hallett, portrayed by Isabella Dunwill, first appeared on 25 November 1998. Originally signed on for a two-week stint, Dunwill’s portrayal earned her recurring roles. She described Geri as a cunning troublemaker intent on achieving her goals. Geri’s jealousy over Drew Kirk's affections created friction between him and Libby Kennedy.

Employed at the Erinsborough News alongside Libby, Geri dated Libby's superior and quickly secured a byline—a milestone that took Libby years to reach. Dunwill found playing Geri’s antagonistic character enjoyable and noted it connected well with the audience.

At Eden Hills University, Geri and Libby were rivals in their journalism studies. After a short-lived romance with Drew ended due to his lingering feelings for Libby, Geri co-hosted UniFM with Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), who attempted to have her removed. Toadie discovered that Geri accepted bribes from local businesses in exchange for promotional airtime on the volunteer radio station. Libby exposed this scandal in an article, resulting in Geri’s dismissal.

Geri further fueled discord by spreading false rumors about Drew and their friend Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner). However, Libby and Steph set a trap to reveal her gossiping nature. She escalated matters by publishing Libby's rejection of Drew's marriage proposal in her column; in response, Libby revealed Geri's bribery scandal.

Following Libby and Drew’s wedding, Geri appeared on the Gold Coast during their honeymoon, photographing and seemingly following them—this storyline marked her final appearance in 2001.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details
19 January–20 February	Dr. Shepherd	Drew Tingwell	Dr. Shepherd provides medical care to Ben Atkins after a severe car accident, performing surgery to relieve pressure from a depressed skull fracture affecting his temporal lobe. He keeps Ben's mother, Ruth, and family informed about Ben’s uncertain prognosis. The following month, he treats Madge Bishop for an aneurysm caused by a fall.
20 January–17 March	Geoff Burke	Andrew McKaige	Geoff, who is Ruth Wilkinson's ex-partner and Ben Atkins' biological father, visits Ben while he is comatose following his crash. Initially rejected by Ben, they eventually bond. Geoff coaches Ben’s adoptive sister Caitlin Atkins in swimming and offers Ben employment at his garage in Sydney. Ultimately, Ben chooses to leave to develop a relationship with Geoff.
9 February 1988–24 June 1999	Shannon Jones	Diana Glenn	Shannon is a single mother who befriends Toadfish Rebecchi at a playgroup. After turning down Toadie's romantic interest, she kisses Darren Stark, leading to his breakup with Libby Kennedy. The community rallies around her following a house fire; she briefly dates Drew Kirk before moving back into her restored home.
9 February 1998–7 June 1999	Brian Jones	Joshua Wojniusz
5 February	Alison Nova	Sally Davis	Alison is Perry Pinchen's girlfriend who finds amusement when Amy Greenwood hires Perry to make Lance Wilkinson jealous through ballroom dancing.
16 February–7 July	Kim Howard	Paul Dawber	Kim teaches at Wangaratta High School during Susan Kennedy’s temporary placement there. They become housemates and develop a friendship. Kim supports Susan through marital difficulties involving Karl Kennedy.
18 February–17 March	Josh Hughes	Sullivan Stapleton	Josh trains with the Erinsborough swimming team and dates Caitlin Atkins. He feigns an injury to avoid practice; they briefly run away but return after realizing they cannot manage alone.
26–27 February	Kenny Hyland	Jonathon Dutton	Kenny is a member of Harold Bishop's scout troop who suffers an injury after falling into a ravine during a hike but is rescued by Harold.
23 March 1998–18 November 2003	Tony Simpson	Stan Tsitas	Tony oversees operations at Eden Hills University's UniFM radio station.
30 March–15 June	Mickey Dalton	Trent Fowler	Mickey attends school with Paul McClain and Hannah Martin; he frames Paul for shoplifting which leads to conflict and injury during a fight. His mother sues teacher Nicholas Atkins but ultimately the truth clears Nick.
23–28 April	Declan Hewitt	Chris Milne	Declan serves as Libby Kennedy's guest lecturer and has a past romantic involvement with her mother Susan Kennedy. Libby uncovers his womanizing tendencies after developing feelings for him.
27 April–12 June	Jacquie Boyd	Amy Lapin	Jacquie is an educator at Erinsborough High School who works alongside Nicholas Atkins and supports him amid assault allegations involving Mickey Dalton.
5 May–29 October	Lily Madigan	Alethea McGrath	Elderly Lily forms friendships with Anne Wilkinson and Libby Kennedy while opposing corporate efforts to demolish her home; she later passes away leaving her house to Anne.
20 May–6 October	Mark Sindon	Marc Stafford	Mark dates Hannah Martin until their breakup before she moves to France.
22 May 1998–13 July 2001	Ryan Moller	Pieter Siertsema	Officer Moller investigates threats against Libby Kennedy, assault claims concerning Nicholas Atkins, robberies in Tasmania, and missing persons including Emily Hancock.
12–15 June	Jean Dalton	Joanne Canning	Jean is Mickey Dalton’s mother who accuses teacher Nicholas Atkins of assault but retracts the complaint once the truth surfaces.
17 June–26 November	Maddie Harford	Karly Drever	Maddie is a Year 12 student alongside Billy Kennedy, Amy Greenwood, Lance Wilkinson, and Anne Wilkinson; she attends their birthday celebration and camping trip.
17 June 1998–16 November 2000	Craig "Pinhead" Pinders	Nathan Godkin	Craig "Pinhead" Pinders is an Erinsborough High student who has repeatedly failed grades; he unsuccessfully runs for school captain, experiences conflicts including with Billy Kennedy, suffers injuries in a car accident, and later pursues training as a primary school teacher.
18 June–5 February 1999	Janine Sumner	Caroline Wilson	Janine works as a real estate agent advising Karl Kennedy on property sales amid favorable market conditions.
30 June–1 July	Fred Parkes	Colin Duckworth	Fred shares his experience as a gambling addict who lost his home and job during an interview with Anne Wilkinson for a sociology project; he later dies unexpectedly at Anne’s residence.
1 July–18 November	Patrick Greenwood	Matthew Barnes	Patrick is Amy Greenwood’s younger brother who collaborates on flying machine projects with Paul McClain but struggles with loneliness at advanced high school before returning home with their mother Josie Greenwood.
16 July–28 September	Alex Fenton	Guy Hooper	Psychiatrist Alex Fenton treats Adam Sherry and dates Sarah Beaumont until she ends their relationship upon learning he previously treated Karen Oldman.
20 July 1998–18 February 1999	Leo McClain	Ross Thompson	Leo is Paul McClain’s estranged father seeking reconciliation after overcoming alcoholism; Paul initially resists but agrees to maintain contact as Leo departs town for work.
27 July–3 August	Denny Cook	Kate Ditchburn	Transfer student Denny exhibits problematic behavior at Erinsborough High including graffiti vandalism and falsely accusing Hannah Martin before being exposed.
28 July–27 October	Josie Greenwood	Sally Keil	Josie is Amy Greenwood’s mother who retrieves Patrick from Ramsay Street and challenges Philip Martin regarding school committee issues following vandalism incidents.
29 July 1998–24 May 1999	Shelley Hanson	Jane Allsop	Shelley arrives in Erinsborough with fiancé Ray to visit ex-boyfriend Drew Kirk; heavily pregnant Shelley goes into labor at the Oakey Rodeo ball attended by Drew and Libby Kennedy.
	Ray Hanson	Ren De Haas
5–12 August	Hilary Grant	Olivia Hamnett	Hilary and her sister Portia Grant join the local women's basketball team but face resistance from Madge Bishop.
7 September 1998–1 April 1999	Sasha Healey	Chelsea Driessen	Sasha initially struggles to connect with her father’s partner Libby Kennedy but eventually builds a relationship; she later reveals her mother’s pregnancy causing tension between Mike Healey and Libby.
10–15 September	Graham Pinders	Jim Daly	Graham is Craig "Pinhead" Pinders’ father and physiotherapy patient suspected of fraud by Philip Martin but defended by Ruth Wilkinson.
11 September–6 October	Richard Downing	John Arnold	Richard stalks Sarah Beaumont but she shows empathy due to his psychiatric condition; charges are dropped after arrest.
30 September 1998–26 July 2006	Joanna Douglas	Matilda White	Police officer Joanna investigates various crimes including break-ins, assaults, robberies, missing persons cases; supports Stuart Parker during vision problems within the force.
1 October 1998–25 March 1999	Portia Grant	Sue Ingleton	Portia coaches the women’s basketball team competing against Madge Bishop; considers property investments and opens the Grease Monkeys café.
14 October 1998–9 October 2000	Tuong Pham	Trent Huen	Tuong is Toadfish Rebecchi’s law classmate who wins flying machine competition; assists at university radio UniFM; acquires Ozechef business from Madge Bishop and Lou Carpenter.
14 October 1998–22 January 1999	Deidre Kaufmann	Lidia Faranda	Patient of Karl Kennedy whose cardiac arrest leads Sarah Beaumont to save her life despite risking Sarah’s medical career due to lack of qualifications.
14 October 1998r–17 July 2000	Pippa Layton	Natalie Shostak	Receptionist working at Karl Kennedy’s medical practice.
"26 October 1998–7 December 2000"	Pat Horrocks	Mirren Lee	Senior player on The Grey Growlers women’s basketball team alongside Madge Bishop.
3–5 November	Bianca Healey	Joy Mitchell	Mike Healey’s mother who disapproves of his relationship with Libby Kennedy favoring Mike’s estranged wife Victoria Healey instead.
25 November 1998–30 March 1999	Victoria Healey	Tamar Kelly	Mike Healey’s estranged wife whose pregnancy revelation ends Mike's relationship with Libby Kennedy after ongoing conflicts.

External links

• Official AU Neighbours site – Characters and cast
• Official UK Neighbours site – Characters and cast
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database