List of Home and Away characters introduced in 2023
| Company type | Television characters |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
Mali Hudson
Mali Hudson, played by Kyle Shilling, made his first appearance on 11 January 2023. The announcement of Shilling’s casting came on 5 December 2022, marking his debut in television. Hailing from the Wiyabal clan of the Bundjalung nation, Shilling hopes his portrayal will serve as inspiration for Indigenous audiences. He expressed that having a character like Mali featured prominently could encourage young Indigenous individuals to explore acting opportunities beyond common stereotypes.
The development of Mali’s character and associated storylines involved collaboration with an Aboriginal script consultant to maintain cultural accuracy. Mali is depicted as lively, cheeky, and deeply devoted to family. A significant plot thread centers on his renewed friendship with established character Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor). Professionally, Mali crafts surfboards and works alongside Dean at his shop. Dean also introduces him to Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) and John Palmer (Shane Withington), who later invites Mali to join the local surf lifesaving team. Mali’s arrival in Summer Bay is driven by a particular, undisclosed motive.
Elandra Hudson
Elandra Hudson, portrayed by Rarriwuy Hick, first appeared on 28 February 2023. Hick revealed her casting via social media shortly before the episode aired. Elandra is introduced as the sister of Mali Hudson (Kyle Shilling), who had arrived earlier in January. She visits Mali in Summer Bay, where he recently relocated without informing their family members. Initially doubtful and suspecting Mali moved for a romantic involvement after seeing him with Rose Delaney (Kirsty Marillier), Elandra invites Rose to join them for lunch and gradually comes to understand Mali’s intention for a new beginning.
Elandra confronts Mali about his secretive move but ultimately supports his decision to remain in the town, advising him to update their mother soon. She encourages Mali to mend his relationship with Rose following their breakup and urges Rose to reconsider ending things. Elandra accompanies Mali when introducing Rose to their mother, Victoria Hudson (Ursula Yovich). This meeting stirs tension as Victoria disapproves of Rose’s career as a police officer and questions Mali’s choices, unveiling family challenges including past instances of racial profiling connected to Mali’s experiences with law enforcement. Elandra acts as a mediator between Rose and their family, helping foster future understanding.
When their brother Iluka Hudson (Dion Williams) arrives after committing theft from the Allen gang, Elandra supports Mali amid rising tensions. After Iluka is injured and brought home by Theo Poulos (Matt Evans), she ensures he receives medical attention while managing the situation quietly. Elandra advises Mali against confronting the Allens directly, citing Iluka’s concerns about their increasing danger. During a violent altercation between Mali and the Allen brothers, she contacts Rose and her colleagues to intervene. Later, when Mali reveals she was the only one aware of his plans, Elandra underscores her dedication to protecting her brothers and her skepticism regarding Mali’s forthcoming decisions.
Kahu Parata
Kahu Parata, brought to life by Jordi Webber, made his debut on 13 April 2023. His casting was revealed shortly before his initial appearance. Introduced as the cousin of Tane Parata (Ethan Browne), Kahu arrives unexpectedly in Summer Bay and is welcomed to stay with Tane and his spouse Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis). Although Felicity had hoped for an uninterrupted honeymoon period, she accepts Kahu’s presence because of the joy he brings Tane. Webber described their relationship as close-knit, with the pair quickly reconnecting. When Kahu requests employment at Tane’s gym, Felicity becomes suspicious of his motives. Tane offers him a temporary role but soon finds out that Kahu lacks the necessary qualifications, potentially endangering the gym’s reputation. Webber portrayed Kahu as a carefree, playful individual—a "loose cannon" whose true intentions are ambiguous.
Kahu’s unexpected arrival disrupts Tane and Felicity’s plans. He confesses he needs a break and values his connection with Tane. When Tane searches for a new gym trainer, Kahu steps forward despite being unqualified.
Harper Matheson
Harper Matheson, portrayed by Jessica Redmayne, was first seen on 10 August 2023. Her casting was announced alongside Ally Harris, who plays her younger sister Dana Matheson, with both characters linked to an established Summer Bay resident through a mysterious plotline. Redmayne moved from Melbourne to Sydney for this role and commended the friendly atmosphere among the cast. She described Harper as protective over Dana, compassionate, and somewhat set in her ways—offering a contrast to Dana’s more adventurous spirit.
Harper arrives in Summer Bay after answering Irene Roberts’ advertisement for a room to rent. She introduces herself as a warm, professional social worker currently on leave.
Dana Matheson
Dana Matheson, enacted by Ally Harris, also made her first appearance on 10 August 2023. Harris’ casting was announced alongside Jessica Redmayne’s on 2 August 2023. The sisters are connected to an established character and involved in a "mysterious storyline" following their arrival. Harris relocated from Perth to Sydney for filming and enjoyed working alongside Redmayne, who had also moved for the role. Having auditioned previously for other parts, Harris was familiar with some cast members, including Juliet Godwin (Bree Cameron), from Perth. She described the cast as welcoming and like a family. Dana serves as a foil to her more "rigid" sister Harper, being idealistic and romantic; their clashes stem from differing values and perspectives.
Levi Fowler
Levi Fowler, played by Tristan Gorey, debuted on 7 November 2023. His casting was announced on 29 October 2023. Gorey immediately connected with the character upon auditioning and relocated from Perth to Sydney for filming, expressing excitement about joining Home and Away. Levi is a newly qualified Cardiothoracic surgeon who arrives in Summer Bay to assist in saving "a Home and Away favourite". Gorey described Levi as ambitious, determined, passionate about his profession, and willing to go the extra mile for patients. Upon arriving, Levi impresses Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin) with his confidence and earns praise from Dana Matheson (Ally Harris), whose life he saved. His intense storyline revolves around treating Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir), who has experienced a heart attack, generating considerable tension. Levi also shares connections with other characters that lead to an "explosive showdown". He is revealed as the estranged brother of Eden Fowler (Stephanie Panozzo), with family tensions rooted in their parents’ divorce and perceived allegiances. Gorey’s performance garnered him a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2024.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 January–15 March | Gabe Miller | Akos Armont | Mackenzie Booth's former fiancé who returns to Summer Bay aiming to mend their relationship after previously abandoning her prior to their wedding due to a $50,000 bribe from her father. Gabe departs again following a cancer diagnosis, with Mackenzie later learning of his passing through his business manager. |
| 24 January | Jordan Stanford | Dylan Hare | Client at Summer Bay Fit who shows romantic interest in Stacey Collingwood, leading to mutual attraction and a planned dinner that is ultimately disrupted by Rose Delaney. |
| 31 January–9 March 2023 10–19 March 2025 |
Izzy Astoni-Thompson | Various babies (2023) Aluna Ruby Duffy and Harlow May Duffy (2025) |
Daughter of Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson. The family moves to Queensland to be closer to Dean's son Jai Simmons. Izzy is looked after by relatives during critical events, including when Ziggy is kidnapped. |
| 16–28 March | Paramedic Jamie Chung | Hugo Liu | Xander Delaney’s partner who dies after an armed attack on an ambulance aimed at stealing drugs, which also injures Xander. |
| 16–30 March | Brock | Ben Corlett | Responsible for breaking into the ambulance and assaulting paramedics Jamie Chung and Xander Delaney; his actions lead to Jamie’s death. |
| 16–21 March | Conor | Tom Dawson | Surfer who becomes involved in a dispute with Justin Morgan over accusations related to Ava Gilbert, resulting in Justin’s arrest for assault. |
| 27 March | Kaikaranga | Michelle Morunga | Performer among the Kaikaranga and Poi dancers organized by Tane Parata for his wedding to Felicity Newman, welcoming guests during the ceremony. |
| Maori Poi Performers | Celeste Thompson Mina Martin Riana Cooper |
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| Tui | Miritana Hughes | ||
| 28 March | Nurse Addie | Oscar Lin | Assists Bree Cameron with medical treatment of Xander Delaney following blunt force trauma. |
| 25–26 April | Robbie | Lachlan Engeler | Individual completing community service who becomes involved in theft and disputes with supervisor Constable Cash Newman and Justin Morgan; initially threatens to file a complaint about bullying but later withdraws it. |
| 27 April–11 July | Andrew Lawrence | Joshua Hewson | "Severely neglected boy discovered by Justin Morgan; subsequently fostered by Justin and Leah Patterson after police uncover his isolated living conditions connected to a doomsday cult." |
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| | | Widow of Jamie Chung; declines charity from Xander Delaney, emphasizing her personal grief following Jamie’s death.
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| | | Longtime friend of Remi Carter; participates in band Lyrik’s battle competition. Faces hostility from Eden Fowler but remains in town supported by Felicity Newman.
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| | | Half-sister of Andrew Lawrence; attempts to reconnect with him by providing proof of their relation and promising assistance.
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| | | Perpetrator of sexual assault against Felicity Newman; extorts her before being apprehended; linked to multiple assaults.
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| | | Mother of Mali and Elandra Hudson; initially disapproves of Mali’s relationship with Rose Delaney but eventually invites Rose to meet the family.
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| | | Executive at a record label offering Kirby Aramoana a solo contract, causing tension within her band Lyrik and disputes involving Justin Morgan’s management.
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| | | Lead detective investigating Dana Matheson’s case; confronts Constable Cash Newman over inquiries; later revealed as corrupt and holds Dana hostage before arrest.
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| | | Biological father of Rose Delaney; reconnects with her after years apart, providing familial support.
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| | | Collaborates with Detective Madden in surveillance and arrest operations targeting Dana Matheson; ultimately arrested after refusing Madden’s order to kill Dana.
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| | | Childhood friend and fiancée of Mali Hudson; visits Summer Bay, renewing old connections and meeting Mali’s girlfriend Rose Delaney.
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| | | Father of Remi Carter; hosts Bree Cameron during their visit for his 35th anniversary celebration, expressing pride in Remi’s achievements.
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|- | | | Mother of Remi Carter; interacts with Bree Cameron during the family gathering.
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| Wes | Josh McConville | Two brothers who collide with Remi Carter’s bike using their car, mistakenly believe he is deceased, and attempt to conceal him along with Eden Fowler, resulting in police involvement.
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|- | Mickey | Travis Jeffery | Brother involved in incident with Remi Carter and Eden Fowler.
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