List of Home and Away characters introduced in 1989

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart made her initial appearance between 25 January and 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. Introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), the character was brought back on 27 March 2018 with Belinda Giblin taking over the role, an actress previously featured in the series. Meagher personally recommended Giblin, praising her as the ideal fit. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

As part of the program’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Alf reveals to their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha did not perish as was believed but vanished due to emotional distress. Following Roo’s unsuccessful efforts to locate her, Martha arrives in Summer Bay and eventually reconciles romantically with Alf. Meagher regarded Martha as likely the greatest love of Alf’s life, despite his marriage to Ailsa Stewart. Martha temporarily departs after her borderline personality disorder triggers episodes of anxiety.

Martha was married to Alf and is mother to their daughter Roo. Thought to have drowned in a 1985 sailing mishap, she initially appears in flashbacks through diary entries that disclose her awareness of Bobby Simpson’s biological parents. Years later, Alf admits that Martha is still alive; she returns to Summer Bay and meets family members but initially finds reconnecting difficult due to her mental health condition. After undergoing treatment, she apologizes to Alf and Roo and explains the reasons behind her absence.

Several months later, Alf reaches out to Martha; they revive their relationship, with Martha painting his portrait and confessing her love. Facing anxiety related to her BPD, Martha opts to leave but ultimately returns to Summer Bay and resumes a relationship with Alf. She seeks specialist assistance for her mental health struggles. Following the deaths of Mason Morgan and Robbo, Alf proposes marriage once more; Martha initially refuses but later consents. They wed and briefly depart to visit Alf’s sisters.

Martha owns a home and studio in Merimbula, which creates friction when Alf urges her to sell it; she explains it serves as a refuge during BPD episodes. She discloses to Roo and Alf that she has a son, Kieran Baldivis, whom she has not seen for years but who soon arrives in Summer Bay. Martha continues residing in Merimbula while Alf visits regularly.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, first appeared on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the show as headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week described Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident troublemaker." Although Coburn initially disliked portraying Vicki, she grew to appreciate playing such an antagonistic character. She appeared intermittently before filming her final scenes in June 1990, reflecting on the role as beneficial for her acting career. A memorable experience included filming a fight scene with Dannii Minogue.

Vicki served as a disruptive presence in Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, bullying classmates like Viv Newton and clashing with Emma Jackson. She falsely accused teacher Grant Mitchell of sexual harassment, which led to his suspension until Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth. Afterwards, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, resulting in Emma’s expulsion. Steven Matheson and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to expose Vicki’s manipulations, ultimately leading to Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed initially by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of Donald Fisher, the school principal. During a visit to Summer Bay, she became romantically linked with Steven Matheson. The producers were impressed by the dynamic between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated occasional returns for the character. The role was later recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period in 1994, followed by Belinda Emmett taking over in 1996.

Emmett's performance garnered her a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 1997, along with subsequent nominations for Most Popular Actress in both 1998 and 1999, as well as a nomination for the esteemed Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, brought to life by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but made a return spanning from 1995 to 1999. Dannii Minogue originally tried out for the role of Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons assumed the part of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy's portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, played by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on 28 June 1989. Stevenson, who had previously guest-starred on competitor soap Neighbours as the petty criminal Skinner, relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role. He described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout" who favors leisure over responsibility but possesses a kind nature. Stevenson exited the show in 1994 but returned briefly in 1999, observing that little had altered since his departure. He enjoyed reprising Adam so much that he contemplated asking to return permanently. A columnist from Inside Soap described Adam as a "former joker" and a "happy-go-lucky" personality.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, enacted by Mouche Phillips, made her first appearance on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips commenced filming shortly after Justine Clarke's exit from the show. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned that she preferred maintaining activity on set, often causing others to search for her when she was off-script.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, debuted on 22 September 1989 and left the series on 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn Chambers but was instead cast as Emma. After one year, she exited to concentrate on her music career. Although there were rumors about her returning for the show's twentieth anniversary in 2008, she did not make an appearance. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Additionally, Holy Soap named her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé featured in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart’s diary; their engagement party ends tragically as Les later dies in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin; he is arrested for indecent exposure and conspires with Stacey's father to purchase the caravan park involving Morag Bellingham; Stacey uncovers that Nicholas framed Roo Stewart with poison pen letters; after attacking Stacey, Tom Fletcher intervenes.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, younger sibling to Alison and Mav Patterson, attends Summer Bay Primary School; she finds Morag Bellingham's memoir manuscript stored on floppy disks and disputes local folklore with Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Richard, Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades, separates after Morag's secret maternity is revealed; he cautions niece Roo Stewart against Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Donahue is a journalist investigating Morag Bellingham’s history; he manipulates Celia Stewart for information and convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble but struggles with illiteracy; following conflicts involving her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe and misunderstandings with Martin and Matt Wilson, she leaves with Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Enid is a friend of Celia Stewart who attends a town meeting regarding a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Nola is Martin Dibble's mother who appears when he introduces Leanne Dunn to his family.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble's brother present at family gathering.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Another brother of Martin Dibble attending the same family event.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Nigel, former assistant to Morag Bellingham, returns as her personal assistant; he befriends Celia Stewart before resigning to seek independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Ross hosts a talk show featuring Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discussing Donald's son's novel; he questions Bobby regarding Morag's maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Meat Axe, Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend, arrives to reclaim her; he defeats Martin Dibble in a fight but Leanne intervenes before leaving with Meat Axe.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge schemes to obtain free goods and steals money before being arrested for arson leading to Philip Matheson's death; taken in by the Fletchers as foster child, he bullies Sally Fletcher and manipulates Steven Matheson into framing Simon Yates; after confessing arson, Dodge is imprisoned for five years; paroled in 1995, he murders 'Mud' Roberts and frames Steven for murder before disappearing following confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Simon works at Bayside diner despite criminal history; dates Roo Stewart but faces harassment from Steven Matheson; framed for arson by Dodge Forbes before fleeing town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley seeks reconciliation but dies after leaving an inheritance and apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services representative who places Brian "Dodge" Forbes with Fletchers and investigates abuse claims against John Newton; arranges supervision orders affecting Viv and Tammy Newton.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor investigating Celia Stewart’s store fire claim; suspicious of large compensation request.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor in Macklin development initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign contract.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer working for Macklin corporation involved in strike negotiations resolved by Roo Stewart; assists in rescue efforts involving Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily manages Macklin office influencing Martin Dibble positively but fails to engage Roo Stewart during family crises.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Friend of Stacey Macklin forming music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; later departs to promote group in Los Angeles.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman supporting Viv Newton during her time living on streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Questions Brian "Dodge" Forbes about stolen car incident initially blamed on Steven Matheson.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; his mistreatment leads authorities to intervene with custody battles resolved through supervision orders and eventual relinquishment of custody.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton who suffers abuse from their father John Newton before reuniting with their mother Angela to start anew in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Uncle of Matt Wilson serving on local council; arranges Matt’s employment as beach inspector but resigns due to health issues following heart attack.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody but leaves after Sally chooses to remain with Fletchers.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating and aunt of Sally; unable to have children, supports Sally’s decision to stay with Fletchers before leaving Summer Bay.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell following false molestation allegations by Vicki; Grant reinstated after truth uncovered.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham for father's imprisonment and suicide; acts as Morag's assistant while secretly threatening her before being confronted by Bobby Simpson and fleeing town.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in arrests and investigations; later suspended following accident causing Shane Parrish’s death leading to guilt-driven actions.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer after heart attack complications.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer pursuing mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering hoax involving Martin Dibble dressed in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson's wish to live with her amidst family estrangement issues.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman who charters Adam Cameron for yacht trip but abandons him on remote island as part of deceptive plan.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Local hot dog stand owner approached by Lance Smart and Martin Dibble; sells business instead to Celia Stewart.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Wife of Rex Wilson seen during council disputes impacting local businesses such as hot dog stands.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Arrives seeking connection with Fletcher family; irritates locals before dying from shark attack; storyline noted by Judy Nunn as favorite.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley whose drug addiction causes conflict with Stacey Macklin leading to destructive behavior and departure from town.
31 October	Chas, pool player friend of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble involved in hustling incidents alongside Mick at The Corner Pocket pool hall.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database