Lachie Cladwell

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section details the characters introduced throughout 2009, listed chronologically by their initial appearance. All new characters were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season ran from 19 January until 27 November 2009. Early in the year, January saw the arrivals of Gina and Hugo Austin. February introduced Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. In March, Liam Murphy and John Palmer made their debuts, followed by Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner in April. May Stone was added to the cast in June. July featured the birth of Harry Holden alongside the introduction of the Walker family members—Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. Detective Robert Robertson appeared in August, with Romeo Smith joining in September.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and exited the series on 18 April 2013. According to official descriptions, Gina is a devoted mother who has endured difficulties with both her eldest and youngest sons but remains strong without indulging in self-pity. She is portrayed as a warm-hearted, grounded individual who consistently places her family's welfare above her own interests. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s identity is largely shaped by her role as a mother to three boys.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, enacted by Bernard Curry, debuted on 27 January 2009. He departed on 26 January 2010, returned briefly on 6 May 2010, and left again on 9 June 2010. Curry, who had previously acted in rival soap Neighbours, described his experience on Home & Away as the most enjoyable of his career. Hugo is depicted as an outdoors enthusiast with a fit physique and sun-kissed complexion.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, portrayed by Aidan Gillett, first appeared on screen on 1 February 2009. Robbo was employed on a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, frequently targeting Joey due to her sexual orientation. His harassment escalated when he pushed her overboard and later sexually assaulted her. After Joey reported the assault, Robbo denied the allegations and physically attacked her following her formal complaint. His former girlfriend Tanya Gannon arrived to support Joey but was struck by a vehicle. Robbo's attempt to drown Joey was prevented by Charlie, who subsequently arrested him. Robbo faced legal charges and did not return to the series.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, brought to life by Luke Bracey, first appeared on 9 February 2009. Despite possessing "the face of an angel," Trey engaged in notably "devilish behaviour," sparking significant drama among viewers. He frequently instigated conflicts involving characters such as Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin. A prominent storyline featured Trey filming a private video with Nicole that was later leaked—mirroring a real-life incident involving Lincoln Lewis shortly prior. Joe Brett from Holy Soap described Trey as a "neurotic wolverine".

Initially introduced as a student at Summer Bay school, Trey bullied several locals including Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) with racist insults and challenged authority figures. He clashed repeatedly with Geoff Campbell and harbored resentment toward his stepfather, John Palmer. Although he showed some progress through his unreturned feelings for Kirsty, his conduct worsened when he attempted to assault her, leading to injuries and legal charges against Miles Copeland that Trey eventually withdrew.

Trey's involvement with Nicole developed from attraction into a romantic relationship culminating in sexual activity. They created a private sex tape together, which Trey maliciously leaked as revenge, causing Nicole public embarrassment. His escalating aggression led to a hostage crisis on a school bus during an excursion when he revealed he had planted a bomb underneath it. While most students escaped unharmed, Hugo Austin sustained serious injuries from the explosion. Trey was apprehended for attempted murder following these events.

Freya Duric

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

In 2009, the series featured two story arcs involving lesbian characters, one of which included Nicole Franklin (Tessa James). Freya’s kiss with Nicole led to viewer complaints. According to James, Freya represents a wilder phase of Nicole’s personality, attracting Nicole despite uncertainty about Freya’s boundaries. Initially, Nicole feels "angry" after being placed on Freya’s "not hot list." Although she does not enjoy the kiss, it reignites interest in Nicole and highlights her underlying boredom.

Freya arrives with the intent to revive a previous relationship with Xavier Austin. Although Xavier initially resists due to his relationship with Ruby Buckton, Freya successfully seduces him. Gina disapproves and cautions Xavier, but he continues the affair as Freya causes disruption locally. She introduces drugs into Summer Bay and persuades Xavier to distribute them at Summer Bay High. After a confrontation with Nicole, Freya kisses her in public to demonstrate that Nicole is not dull, frustrating Geoff who suspects manipulation. While Freya relishes the control she has over Xavier, she soon grows bored and kisses his brother Hugo—unaware that Xavier witnesses this—resulting in their breakup. Recognizing that nothing remains for her, Freya quickly leaves town.

Joey Collins

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

The producers introduced Joey to develop a lesbian storyline involving Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson) aimed at increasing viewership. Over five weeks, their relationship evolves from friendship into romance featuring intimate moments. Executive producer Cameron Welsh highlighted Joey’s popularity and hinted at a possible return.

Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who harasses her until he pushes her into the water. She confides in Aden about her sexuality and develops feelings for Charlie. Joey’s brother Brett strongly disapproves and even evicts her, prompting Joey to move in with Charlie.

Robbo escalates his harassment into sexual assault and threatens Joey against reporting him. Encouraged by Aden and Belle Taylor, she files a complaint; however, Robbo denies the allegations and Brett doubts her claims. Charlie enlists Robbo’s ex Tanya to support the complaint, but Tanya is struck by a hit-and-run driver. Robbo attempts to drown Joey but is stopped by Charlie and subsequently arrested. Charlie then kisses Joey as their secret romance begins.

Their relationship encounters homophobic backlash and gossip within the community. Charlie struggles with accepting her sexuality, while work pressures strain their bond. Ultimately, Joey tearfully departs for a new job after bidding farewell to Charlie.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, played by Axle Whitehead, made his debut on 5 March 2009. Musician and presenter Whitehead won the role through an audition process; Liam was originally intended for only fifteen episodes. Whitehead described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and drew upon personal experiences to portray the character's drug use convincingly.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, enacted by Kain O'Keeffe, first appeared on 25 March 2009. Having previously worked alongside other cast members, O'Keeffe was cast following the arrival of the Austin family. Brendan's autism created tension between him and his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan relocates to Summer Bay with his mother Gina after being cared for by Xavier during Hugo's absence. His challenges with social interaction lead to conflicts; however, Ruby Buckton, Xavier’s girlfriend, assists Brendan in becoming more socially engaged. Brendan later runs away from caretaker Martha MacKenzie, inadvertently causing a car accident that results in Roman Harris losing his sight. Roman chooses not to press charges upon learning of Brendan’s condition. Brendan’s fear of blue cars originates from witnessing a fatal accident involving Hugo.

He mentions having a girlfriend named Ruby Leeds who has Down syndrome, initially causing confusion with Ruby Buckton. After Gina accepts the relationship, Brendan expresses interest in sheltered accommodation and educational support services. Exhibiting unexpected courage, Brendan rescues Xavier from drowning, convincing Gina of his readiness for independence. Brendan later returns mistakenly believing Hugo has died. Following Gina's passing in 2013, it was noted that Brendan did not attend her funeral due to emotional distress.

John Palmer

John Palmer, played by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, known for his previous role in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring capacity. John's character was portrayed as a "strict father" and an active member of the surf lifesaving club.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, debuted on 10 April 2009. She begins a romantic involvement with Geoff Campbell and soon reveals she is expecting a child. Their storyline features a caravan fire following their intimate encounter, with Geoff grappling with guilt stemming from his religious convictions. Series producer Cameron Welsh described the pregnancy plot as complex, highlighting Claudia's initial deception regarding the paternity.

Claudia comes to work on Geoff’s farm, develops romantic feelings for him, and they start dating. After the fire incident, Lachie returns and accuses Geoff of causing his injury. Claudia denies that Geoff is the father but later admits Lachie is, sparking conflict among all involved. Geoff expels Claudia; Lachie's aggressive conduct extinguishes any hope for reconciliation. Eventually, Claudia departs Summer Bay to live with her cousin in Dubbo, distancing herself from both men.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond’s (Alexandra Park) former boyfriend, with their relationship characterized by several breakups over six months. Lachie tries to win Claudia back but ultimately agrees to leave her alone. When Claudia announces her pregnancy, she initially claims Lachie is not the father, creating tension with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). After Lachie is hospitalized following a rugby match confrontation with Geoff, Claudia confesses that Lachie is actually the father. Despite Lachie's hopes to build a family, Claudia chooses to exclude him from their child's life and leaves Summer Bay.

The Daily Record observed that Geoff’s frustration reached a peak, resulting in his anger being 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 his convincing performance. Gardy is depicted as an intimidating figure engaged in criminal activities.

Gardy enters the home of his blind military comrade Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), unsettling Roman's daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Despite the tension, Roman permits Gardy to stay. Gardy becomes involved in a fight with John Palmer (Shane Withington) and later forces Roman to participate in a liquor store robbery during which an elderly woman suffers a heart attack. When Nicole rejects his advances, Gardy threatens to implicate Roman in the crime.

Increasing his criminal actions, Gardy robs the Palmer residence, taking Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. He blackmails Roman over a past military incident and organizes a warehouse heist in Mangrove River. During the robbery, Gardy holds workers captive and shoots Roman when he resists. A shootout follows; Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) intervenes but fails to stop Gardy. Ultimately, Roman incapacitates him by shooting him in the leg. Injured, Gardy escapes into a creek and vanishes thereafter.

May Stone

May Stone, brought to life by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She soon embarks on a relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, who plays Charlie, mentioned that although Charlie partly aimed to stir trouble, Angelo remained drawn to her, resulting in their secret affair. The Daily Record commented that Angelo showed a lack of empathy toward May, who was visibly upset following their breakup.

May becomes part of the local community and initiates a romance with Angelo. Nevertheless, Angelo’s lingering feelings for Charlie lead him to have a clandestine encounter with her. When May expresses a desire for commitment, Angelo admits the truth, causing her to end their relationship and promptly leave Summer Bay after resigning from her teaching position.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden, was introduced on 30 July 2009 and portrayed by several young actors. After his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty bonding due to Harry’s incessant crying and even contemplates smothering him before seeking assistance. Following accusations from Jane Avent that Rachel is unfit to care for Harry, Jane abducts him, triggering a police search. Harry is ultimately returned safely to his parents. In August 2010, Harry moves to Boston with Rachel and Tony, pausing briefly at the grave of his half-brother Jack before departing.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, enacted by Robert Mammone, debuted on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Due to positive audience reception, Sid along with Indigo and Dexter were brought back as permanent characters in June 2010.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, originally portrayed by Tom Green from 30 July 2009, was recast in 2010 with Charles Cottier when the character reappeared. Cottier remarked that Dexter had undergone development and chose not to study Green’s earlier portrayal. A significant storyline for Dexter involved his romantic relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both awkward and thrilling due to the considerable age gap between them.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, played by Samara Weaving, first appeared on 30 July 2009 as part of the newly introduced Walker family: father Sid (Robert Mammone), mother Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), son Dexter (Tom Green), and Indigo herself. The family departed the show in September 2009 but returned in June 2010. Weaving welcomed this return, noting it was more manageable alongside her other professional commitments.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, made his debut on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder-related storyline, Robertson was intended to inject humor and vitality into darker narratives. Walker highlighted Robertson’s chameleon-like talent for engaging various characters through his skill in deception and uncovering truths. Otto drew upon his comedic background and inspirations from quirky investigator roles, calling it “one of the most fantastic roles” he has undertaken. The Daily Record described Robertson as “ruthless,” emphasizing his strong presence within the series.

As a police detective, Robertson arrives in Summer Bay to investigate the murder of Grant Bledcoe, Ruby Buckton’s (Rebecca Breeds) biological father. His initial suspicion falls on Ruby’s mother, Charlie, but he later discovers that Charlie’s father, Ross (David Downer), confessed to the crime. Despite his eccentric storytelling style, Robertson proves an effective investigator. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), though she declines to pursue a deeper relationship.

Robertson returns to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), working alongside Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill). He focuses on Alf as the main suspect, collecting evidence and exerting pressure for confessions but fails to obtain conclusive proof. His romantic advances toward Leah are rejected due to her unresolved feelings for former partner Elijah Johnson (Jay Laga'aia). Robertson manipulates Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into falsely implicating Alf, leading to Alf’s arrest. However, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) challenges this evidence by revealing Will as dishonest, resulting in charges against Will instead. Feeling professionally unsettled, Robertson confides in Leah about losing his sense of self; she comforts him by affirming that making mistakes is part of being human. After being offered a promotion and inviting Leah and her son to relocate with him to the city, Leah chooses not to accept.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, brought to life by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed this role soon after moving to Sydney while unemployed. Romeo is depicted as charming, mischievous, humorous, and courteous. His family on the show includes his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). After his relationship with Annie Campbell, Romeo’s main romantic involvement is with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
30 January	Bank manager	Christopher Saunders	Detects Bridget Simmons' unauthorized attempt to access Leah Patterson-Baker's account.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden aboard a vessel; engaged in illicit abalone harvesting; apprehended and tries to implicate Aden; discloses details about Hugo.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Police officer conducting inquiries in Summer Bay.
3 February	Lawyer	Blair Cutting	Legal counsel representing Angelo Rosetta.
4 February–25 January 2010	Lou De Bono	David Roberts	Dates Irene Roberts; dies at sea; Irene is suspected but later exonerated for his murder.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless individual who safeguards Melody Jones; informs others of her location.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Assaults Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines interview to protect aged care facility; persuaded by Melody Jones.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Melody Jones’ grandmother; passes away due to a stroke.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Participates in speed dating; connects with Leah until she selects Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Joey Collins’ older brother; struggles with her sexual orientation; initially unsupportive but later apologizes.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Survivor of a shipwreck involved in illegal human smuggling alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; arrested following violent incidents.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Employer of Belle at the newspaper; has an affair with Paula Gill; promises Belle a promotion but gives it to Paula instead.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Robert Cruze’s ex-partner who files a complaint against him; seriously injured in an accident shortly after arrival.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Colleague of Belle; engages in an affair with Jerry Thibault resulting in her promotion; bullies Belle over addiction struggles.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged wife of Lou De Bono; accuses Irene Roberts of Lou’s death and manipulates her through alcohol abuse.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Wife of Liam Murphy; affected by his drug addiction leading to divorce and relocation to Paris with their son Ash.
23–28 April	Ash Murphy	Dusty Piper	Child of Liam and Chelsea Murphy.
			1–2 June	Jenena Palmer	Anna Lise Phillips	Mother of Trey and wife to John.
13 June–13 July	Clint Mailer	Matt Zeremes		Rugby coach who pressures Aden into undermining Geoff Campbell’s career.
14 July–18 August	Jane Avent	Felicity Price	Grieving mother blaming Rachel Armstrong for her stillbirth, harasses Rachel, kidnaps her son before acknowledging she needs assistance.
14 July–18 August	Rex Avent	Sandy Winton	Initially supports Jane but later accepts her need for help after the kidnapping incident.
14 July–26 January 2010	Wayan Rahardjo	Dorje Swallow	Hospital patient who does not speak English, connected to Hugo Austin’s illegal dealings; used by Angelo during investigations.
20–21 July	Paul	Thomas Norrie	Briefly appears as an extra in Summer Bay.
23 July–18 August	Squirt	Ben Davy-Thorburn	Aden’s friend and colleague; attends Aden’s stag party.
29 July-27 November	Marine Officer Bryant	Michael Sutherland	Water police officer partnering with Angelo Rosetta on human trafficking investigations.
30 July–17 August 2011	Jody Walker	Victoria Haralabidou	Sid’s spouse attempting reconciliation for family unity but departs after infidelity; returns briefly in August 2011.
20 August	Michelle	Michelle Pettigrove	Charlie Buckton’s aunt who provides insight into Charlie’s daughter Ruby Buckton.
24 August–8 July 2010	Therese	Rose Ashton	Nurse involved in workplace disputes with Nicole Franklin regarding Sid Walker’s relationships.
28 August–11 September	Andy McLeod	Paul Winchester	Rachel’s acquaintance offering parenting guidance; their friendship causes marital strain leading Rachel to distance herself.
	Sophia McLeod	Madeline Andrews	Andy’s daughter diagnosed by Rachel with hearing impairment.
1–16 September	Grant Bledcoe	Clayton Watson	Ruby’s biological father accused by Charlie Buckton of rape; later found fatally stabbed amidst complex family issues.
8 September	Tracey Bledcoe	Mary Anne Byrne	Wife of Grant Bledcoe, shocked by rape allegations against him.
15 September–1 March 2012	Patrick Avery	Clayton Williams	Police constable involved in various cases including bailing Sid Walker out on assault charges.
18–22 September	Ruby Leeds	Tracie Sammmut	Brendan’s girlfriend advocating for his independence through sheltered accommodation.
18 September	Pheobe	Alisha Burton	Brief acquaintance of Jai Fernandez.
-30 September	- Jim	- Mark Richardson	- Hotel manager appearing briefly.
-1 October–27 January 2010	- Bambang Rahardjo	- Joft Prastowo	- Wayan’s son assisting on the farm; used by Angelo 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 before being subdued.
-6–17 November	- Riley Radcliffe	- Tani Edgecombe	- School bully targeting VJ Patterson causing conflict involving Miles and police uncovering family violence.
-6–17 November	- Ian Radcliffe	- Ben Simpson	- Riley’s father who assaults others to conceal son's injuries, attempts bribery before truth emerges.
-9–24 November	- Poppie Merrin	- Elouise Blair	- Central figure in false rumors about Liam Murphy leading to breakup with Nicole Franklin and subsequent drug possession arrest.
-17–24 November	- Reg Merrin	- Dane Carson	- Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies and terminates him after a staged scandal involving his daughter Catie Merrin.
-18–24 November	- Catie Merrin	- Tess Haubrich	- Daughter of Reg Merrin who orchestrates a date for Aden Jefferies, causing tension resulting in his dismissal.
-19–23 November	- Orson Cardillo	- Mark Lee	- Donna DeBono’s gardener implicated in framing incident leading to Donna's imprisonment; suffers heart attack during investigation.
-20 November	- Bonita Cardillo	- Suzi Dougherty	- Wife defending Orson Cardillo's innocence amid accusations related to Lou DeBono's death inquiry.
-25 November–18 February 2010	- Hazem Kassir	- Ben Kermode	- Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; victim of racially motivated assault causing paralysis, breakup, and relocation.
-26 November	- Prison Guard	- Joe Tarena	- On duty during Derrick Quaid’s escape from custody.

External links

• Present cast and characters on the Official Home and Away site
• Present cast and characters via Holy Soap