Kazuko Sano

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	1985-03-18
Founder	Reg Watson
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	www.neighbours.com.au

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on 18 March 1985 and is currently broadcast on the digital channel Eleven. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 2016, listed according to their debut dates. Each new character was brought into the storyline by the show's executive producer Jason Herbison. The 32nd season commenced on 4 January 2016. During January, both Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning made their first appearances. The character Jacka Hills was introduced in March. April saw the arrival of Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson, while May featured the debuts of Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze. In August, James Udagawa joined the cast, followed in September by brothers David Tanaka and Leo Tanaka, alongside Xanthe's mother, Brooke Butler.

Julie Quill

Julie Quill, portrayed by Gail Easdale, made her initial appearance on 12 January 2016. Easdale secured the role after a previous unsuccessful audition and returned to acting following a hiatus. She is married to Stefan Dennis, known for his role as Paul Robinson. Julie was introduced as the owner of Lassiter's Hotel and a rival to Paul Robinson. Easdale characterized her as a tough individual with an underlying vulnerability, navigating a predominantly male environment. It was later unveiled that Julie was behind the Lassiters Hotel explosion that resulted in the deaths of Josh Willis and Doug Willis; she exited the series in June 2016. Easdale reprised this role on 8 September 2021, depicting a transformed and remorseful Julie during Terese Willis’s visit to prison seeking closure over her son’s demise. This return followed the introduction of her son Jesse Porter (Cameron Robbie) earlier that year in March.

Julie arrives to evaluate Lassiter's Hotel, which has recently been purchased by the Quill Group. She harbors resentment towards former proprietor Paul Robinson due to a past romantic relationship gone awry. Initially, she declines hiring Paul’s nephew Daniel Robinson but later offers him a position after discovering his estrangement from Paul. Julie confides in Terese Willis about the difficulties faced as a woman in the hospitality sector and reveals intentions to construct an additional hotel tower within the Lassiter’s complex. She attempts to undermine Paul's effort to secure hosting rights for the Erinsborough Citizen of the Year event by manipulating venue arrangements and staffing decisions, which leads to food poisoning at the launch party and ultimately results in awarding the event to Robinson’s Motel.

Julie consults with her stepson Tom Quill concerning the tower development; Tom successfully convinces opposition parties to withdraw their complaints. When Robinson’s loses its liquor license, Lassiter’s regains hosting rights for the Citizen event, enhancing Julie’s influence. She exerts pressure on Tom to falsify environmental documentation; when this deception is uncovered, she disowns him. After a boiler room explosion devastates Lassiter’s Hotel, Julie moves in with Terese and appoints Sarah Beaumont as hotel manager during Terese's absence. She accuses Paul of causing the blast and physically assaults him when he attempts to offer support. Despite being attacked before the explosion, Tom survives; however, Julie fires Terese for fabricating an alibi that led to Paul’s imprisonment.

At Lassiter’s reopening ceremony, Julie is arrested following testimony from John Doe who recalls her conspiring with Jacka Hills to orchestrate the explosion. Convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison, she seeks reconciliation but faces rejection from Terese and her family. Five years later, her son Jesse Porter arrives at Lassiters aiming to rehabilitate the Quill Group’s reputation through gathering insider information.

Xanthe Canning

Xanthe Canning, brought to life by Lilly Van der Meer, made her first appearance on 22 January 2016. Announced in November 2015, Xanthe is introduced as the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, half-sister to Kyle Canning, and daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who portrays Sheila, hinted that Xanthe's introduction would ignite a significant new family arc. Van der Meer characterized her role as a catalyst for "trouble, excitement, and mischief," as well as a potential close ally on Ramsay Street.

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, depicted by Brad McMurray, debuted on 7 March 2016 as an old acquaintance of Stephanie Scully. Promoted as the series' "latest villain," Jacka was central to multiple disruptive plots involving theft, arson, and deceit. McMurray relished playing the antagonist, appreciating the role’s unexpected twists and conflicts.

Jacka's storyline involved vandalizing Robinsons Motel, stealing Paul's prosthetic leg, and orchestrating an explosion at Lassiter's Hotel connected to an insurance scam. He was apprehended after refusing to assist investigators. Several months later, Jacka reemerged seeking Steph's aid amid suspicions about his wife Regan’s fidelity. After being released early to care for his ailing mother, Jacka sought vengeance against Ned Willis by contaminating Ned’s tattoo ink and sabotaging a hot-air balloon, which tragically caused Regan’s death. He was subsequently captured and sentenced to eighteen years behind bars.

Script producer Shane Isheev revealed plans for Jacka’s return involving a prison escape storyline; however, this was scrapped due to the show's conclusion. Jacka is remembered as one of the series’ most memorable villains.

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Andrew Morley, first appeared on 4 April 2016. Morley’s casting was announced on 30 January 2016 after he auditioned while engaged in charity work in Cambodia. Filming began in December 2015. Introduced with "an enigmatic background" and no connections to Erinsborough, his character initially known as John Doe forms a friendship with Paige Smith (Olympia Valance). It is later unveiled that his true identity is Jack Callahan and that he serves as a Catholic priest. Jack decides to stay in Erinsborough but struggles with balancing his religious duties and his relationship with Paige.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, made his debut on 6 April 2016. Hall’s casting announcement came on 11 March 2016; the character had been referenced off-screen for several years prior. After an initial guest stint, Ned returned on 10 August and was promoted to a regular cast member on 20 June 2018. He is the son of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia), marking the first time all of Brad’s children have appeared together on-screen. Raised by his grandparents in Darwin, Ned is a tattoo artist whose complex and manipulative traits fuel storylines centered around mischief and personal struggles.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, played by Sarah Ellen, first appeared on 22 April 2016. Ellen’s casting was revealed in February 2016, with producers open to making her role permanent. Series producer Jason Herbison stated that Madison was always intended to be part of the Neighbours world. Madison returned on 24 June and stayed until 27 September, with scenes shot on the Gold Coast. Ellen also reprised her role in flashback sequences aired in October 2019.

Madison is the daughter of iconic Neighbours couple Scott and Charlene Robinson, arriving in Erinsborough to check on her brother Daniel on behalf of their parents. She is described as a "fashionable teenager" and "aspiring journalist," inheriting adventurous qualities from her mother. Ellen regarded her stint on Neighbours as valuable experience before pursuing opportunities in Hollywood.

Upon arriving at Number 24 Ramsay Street, Madison reconnects with Daniel amidst his plans to wed Imogen Willis. She supports their secret wedding, which ultimately becomes a family celebration. After Daniel and Imogen depart town, Madison remains to assist her uncle Paul Robinson, offering support during his legal battles related to the Lassiter's Hotel explosion.

Following Paul's imprisonment and subsequent release, he uses his influence to secure Madison a cadetship at the West Waratah Star, prompting her relocation to Erinsborough and abandonment of prior plans. Paul later exploits Madison’s articles for personal attacks, causing her to move out and accept a position assisting Terese Willis. Madison plays an integral part in Terese’s campaign for control of Lassiter's, traveling to New York alongside her aunt Lucy Robinson to handle paperwork.

Madison also explores singing prospects; when performer Rhonda Riley is delayed, Madison fills in at The Waterhole and later receives an audition opportunity for a singing residency at Lassiter's Gold Coast through Lucy. She reunites with former boyfriend Logan Dunne, who confesses lingering feelings for her. Despite impressing during the audition, Madison opts to remain on the Gold Coast with Logan rather than pursue the California-based job offer.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, portrayed by Jai Waetford, made his debut on 2 May 2016. Waetford's casting was revealed on 10 February 2016, with the character's identity kept confidential at first. Angus is introduced as the defiant son of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles), a divisive figure in Erinsborough. Series producer Jason Herbison commented that Waetford would enjoy playing a character who challenges limits. Following an initial guest appearance, Waetford returned to shoot additional scenes alongside the cast on the Gold Coast.

After being expelled from boarding school, Angus arrives in Australia expecting to spend time with his mother Sarah, but she instead leaves him in the care of friends Karl and Susan Kennedy in Erinsborough. He quickly comes into conflict with Ben Kirk, stealing money from him and engaging in disputes over various incidents such as accusations of triggering a fire alarm and vandalizing with graffiti. Angus briefly dates Xanthe Canning, but ends the relationship upon realizing they are not compatible.

Caught up in local disputes, Angus discovers his mother’s cancer diagnosis and impulsively absconds with money earned busking alongside Ben and Xanthe. Once located, he consents to accompany Sarah to Germany for treatment. Several weeks later, while spending time on the Gold Coast with his father Peter Hannay, Angus reconnects with Ben and Xanthe before returning to Erinsborough at Susan’s invitation.

Back at school, Angus develops feelings for Susan’s niece Elly Conway but faces rejection. He loses his virginity to Piper Willis and tries to get a tattoo but is stopped due to health concerns. Angus persistently pursues Elly, culminating in him kissing her while she is asleep, which prompts Susan to report him to authorities. Meanwhile, Angus receives an offer for a recording contract after an independent label notices his music video.

Although initially denying any misconduct, Elly later recalls the event clearly and files a report. Angus faces charges of assault but apologizes and admits his wrongdoing. Elly decides not to press charges, and Angus is escorted by his father to Sydney.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, played by Greg Stone, first appeared on 13 May 2016 as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi. It is soon uncovered that Walter is actually Sonya’s biological father, a secret connected to the fatal car accident that claimed her parents’ lives. Walter also has a teenage daughter named Zoe, who is battling leukaemia and requires a bone marrow transplant. He asks Sonya to be tested as a potential donor.

Walter arrives in Erinsborough claiming he is sober, although he initially misappropriates funds intended for rehabilitation. He stays at Stephanie Scully’s motel and develops a romantic relationship with Terese Willis. Sonya eventually uncovers Walter’s true identity and confronts him about his past, including his presence at her parents’ crash and an affair with her mother.

Despite initial resistance, Sonya supports Walter’s efforts toward sobriety and invites him to move in. Walter discloses Zoe’s illness, leading Sonya to undergo donor testing; however, she is not a match. Walter then proposes that Sonya’s daughter Nell be tested as a donor. After tensions arise regarding Nell’s involvement, Walter takes her to the hospital without permission but later apologizes. When Sonya’s son Callum is identified as a suitable donor, Walter and Zoe depart for the United States.

In 2018, following Zoe’s cancer recurrence, Walter relapses into alcoholism, prompting Sonya to assist him during his renewed commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, brought to life by Kristy Best, made her first appearance on 26 May 2016. Presented as the enigmatic former partner of Andrew Morley's character John Doe, Mandy acts as a romantic rival to Paige Smith. She insists that John’s true identity is Jason Jones and claims they cohabit as a couple. Mandy’s narrative unravels when she offers a Hawaiian pizza—allegedly John’s favorite—which exposes her falsehood since he is allergic to pineapple. Before departing, Mandy confesses she met John on the day Lassiter's exploded, but he kept significant personal information from her.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, portrayed by Samuel David Humphrey, first appeared on 3 August 2016 as a "corporate prodigy" hired to stabilize Lassiter's Hotel’s finances and supervise Terese Willis. Humphrey, who has acrodysostosis, was selected following his appearance in a documentary focusing on young individuals with disabilities.

Representing his family's financial stake in the hotel, James swiftly demonstrates his expertise by analyzing financial reports and supplier agreements. He manages quarterly assessments, including investigating concealed cameras in guest rooms—later clarified as part of a school assignment. James challenges Terese about The Waterhole’s sluggish earnings and unveils family power struggles: his sister Jasmine intends to seize control of their family business after their grandfather's demise. Jasmine persuades their grandfather to transfer James away, prompting James to caution Terese about Jasmine’s intentions.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, played by Takaya Honda, debuted on 21 September 2016. His casting was announced simultaneously with that of Tim Kano, who plays his twin brother Leo Tanaka, on 22 August 2016. Honda expressed enthusiasm about joining Neighbours and gaining experience alongside established Australian actors. David is portrayed as a socially aware physician arriving in Erinsborough to unravel a family enigma.

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, enacted by Tim Kano, first appeared on 22 September 2016. Announced alongside his twin brother David, Kano characterized Leo as an entertaining, cheeky opportunist with a kind heart who holds respect for his brother. The Tanaka twins arrive in Erinsborough aiming to uncover family secrets.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, portrayed by Fifi Box, was introduced on 28 September 2016. Her casting was revealed on 18 July 2016, with Box commencing filming that same week. Executive producer Jason Herbison commended her audition for capturing "Gold Coast chic." Brooke is the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning. Described as an opportunistic and flighty individual who relies heavily on her appearance, Network Ten Executive Producer Claire Tonkin referred to her as a "colourful character." Brooke returned in the episode broadcast on 12 April 2017.

Brooke reconnects with daughter Xanthe and ex-partner Gary upon arriving in Erinsborough, introducing a jewellery business. Although Sheila Canning, Gary’s mother, initially doubts Brooke’s motives following the family’s recent cash win, Brooke hosts popular jewellery parties. Financial difficulties arise when Brooke owes money to Mack Sweetin and tries to hide the fact that some jewellery pieces are counterfeit. She manipulates family members to conceal her debts, which results in Sheila briefly being hospitalised due to Brooke's sabotage.

Gary lends Brooke funds for customs fees related to jewellery imports, and she plans a trip to Perth with Xanthe. When confronted by ex-boyfriend Trey Johnson demanding repayment, Brooke clears her debt but later admits the jewellery is fake and reveals her financial woes. After Sheila assists with covering Brooke’s debts and offers employment at The Waterhole, Brooke writes a farewell letter to Xanthe before leaving town and ceasing contact.

Brooke later returns seeking work at the hospital but is turned away by Sheila. She apologizes for her previous jewellery scam and secures a three-month trial managing Lassiter's Day Spa through Terese's support. Terese also arranges a date for Brooke with Paul Robinson. Brooke and Gary plan for her to meet her other daughter Jesse during a stopover in Melbourne; however, when Gary becomes engaged to Terese, Brooke decides to leave for Malaysia to meet Jesse, with Sheila funding her journey.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Performs a spinal operation on Toadfish Rebecchi to extract a bullet; the procedure faces complications due to interruptions from Toadie's spouse Sonya.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Mistakenly takes Paige Smith hostage, confusing her with Michelle Kim; after her escape, unintentionally strikes her with his vehicle. Later clarifies his actions to Michelle and Dennis Dimato, who warns him of consequences.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Wife of Stanley Neve; engaged in an affair with Lou Carpenter. Visits Erinsborough aiming to resume their relationship, but Lou fabricates a false romance story, prompting her departure.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Council officer who issues fines to Kyle Canning and Sheila Canning after their dog Bossy bites a child; seizes Bossy despite Kyle’s objections.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	Max Hoyland’s third spouse; attempts to adopt Steph Scully’s son Charlie, expressing concerns about Steph’s parenting. Following mediation and disclosure of Philippa’s affair, she consents to Charlie remaining with Steph before moving to Sydney.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Beautician at Lassiter's who provides Karl Kennedy with a manicure during his hotel visit.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Council employee tasked with removing love locks from the bridge over Lassiter's Lake; protests result in the bridge’s closure for safety reasons.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Campaign manager for Tim Collins; confronts rival Sonya Mitchell regarding her past, which leads Sonya to sever ties.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Conducts a survey on behalf of Quill Group; requests entry to Rebecchi Law offices and informs Daniel Robinson about valuable items in delivered boxes.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Responsible for delivering boxes to Lassiter's Hotel.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Health inspector evaluating Erins Burrow motel; questions Paul Robinson about bedbug fumigation procedures.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	Journalist attending the public Q&A session for mayoral candidates.
19 February–3 March, 28 February 2017	Noel Creighton	Kristian Beddow	Gender studies lecturer at Eden Hills University; interacts with students Paige Smith and Imogen Willis; supports Paige’s academic choices.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Suspended due to cheating on a health exam; organizes a party disrupted by Sheila Canning.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Participates in Paige Smith’s protest opposing tree removal for drainage development; flirts with Daniel Robinson and discusses polyamory with Imogen Willis.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Caught destroying plants on Paul Robinson’s orders for motel flower arrangements; later joins Brad Willis’s outreach program after receiving Paul’s support.
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Acts as mediator between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland concerning Charlie Hoyland’s adoption.
	Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Contacts Paul Robinson regarding the potential arrival of his grandson Jimmy Williams at the nursery.
3 March	Bernice Ashton	Rain Fuller	Evaluates Xanthe Canning’s need for temporary care while her grandmother is hospitalized.
4 March	Juliet Worth	Lana Schwarcz	DHS caseworker overseeing Xanthe Canning’s living arrangements during Sheila Canning’s hospital stay.
9 March–22 July 2016, 31 May–28 June 2017	Tom Quill	Kane Felsinger	Development manager at Quill Group involved in bribery and manipulation of environmental reports to secure approval for Lassiter’s Hotel tower. After being disowned by Julie Quill, he blackmails Aaron Brennan and later becomes Lassiter’s manager. Returns in subsequent years managing Paul’s settlement.
11 March–25 May	Brodie Chaswick	Matt Testro	Former swimming student of Brad Willis; briefly reconciles with Piper Willis before attempting manipulation. Departs Erinsborough following confrontation.
24 March–2 August	Archie Quill	Harrison Mark	Son of Julie Quill; involved in conflicts with Charlie Hoyland and other local youths; cared for by Tom Quill after Julie’s arrest.
14 April	Alex Jones	Jana Wilkes	Reveals herself as the genuine Alex Jones to Paige Smith at Erinsborough Hospital.
5 May	Jackie Gore	Ana Mitsikas	Mediates between Sheila Canning and herself following disputes involving their daughters.
6 May	Steven Aniston	Garikai Jani	Provides John Doe (Father Jack Callahan) with information about their previous encounter before the Lassiter’s explosion.
11 May	Sharn Hauser	Juliette Salmon	Insults Ben Kirk regarding his involvement in Jayden Warley’s legal matters.
11 May–2 November, 8 March 2017	Dustin Oliver	Kevin Clayette	Meets John Doe and Paige Smith; develops a relationship with Paige before leaving town due to personal reasons; later declines employment offered by Father Jack Callahan.
17 May	Detective Chris Santini	Joel Pierce	Investigates allegations against Paul Robinson concerning Lassiter’s Hotel explosion; reviews witness statements and evidence with Paul’s family.
30 May	Shandi Bouchard	Krystal Lencova	Receptionist at Rush Street Clinic arranging breast enlargement appointments, including one for Xanthe Canning.
	Tess Land	Clare Pickering	Plastic surgeon preparing for Xanthe Canning’s surgery; threatened by Sheila Canning over deceit about Xanthe’s consent.
6–7 June	Karen Harding	Wallis Murphy Munn	Prosecutor overseeing Paul Robinson’s trial related to Lassiter’s explosion, managing witness testimonies and courtroom proceedings.
6 June	Tipstave Alma Aboud	Arisha Bordbar
	Tipstave Roger Corr   |-	scope=row rowspan=2 7 June   |-   |-   |-	scope=row rowspan=2 7 June   |-   |-	scope=rowspan=2 7 June   |-   |-	scope=rowspan=2 7 June   |-   |-	scope=rowspan=2 7 June   |-   |-	scope=rowspan=2 7 June   |-   |-	scope=rowspan=2 7 June   |-    External links Cast and characters on the Official Neighbours site Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database