Liz Conway

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television, Entertainment
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Founder	Reg Watson
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	www.neighbours.com.au

Neighbours is an Australian soap opera created by Reg Watson, which premiered on 18 March 1985. This compilation outlines the characters introduced in 2001 under the guidance of executive producer Stanley Walsh. The seventeenth season commenced broadcasting on 15 January 2001. Jess Fielding was introduced in February, followed by Matt Hancock in March, with his father Evan and Jack Scully arriving in April. Maggie Hancock appeared in May, Larissa Calwell in June, Tim Collins in September, Sandy Allen in October, Mitch Foster in November, and Liz Conway, Stuart Parker, and Elly Conway all debuted in December. The first newborn character of the year was Ben Kirk.

Jess Fielding

Jessica "Jess" Fielding, portrayed by Elisha Gazdowicz, made her initial appearance on 14 February 2001. As a Year 12 student at Erinsborough High, Jess quickly became central to the plot by accusing teacher Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) of assault and later being suspected of planting a bomb on school premises. Characterized as a "wild child" and "vixen," Jess introduced considerable conflict within Ramsay Street. Gazdowicz recognized potential audience concerns but aimed for viewers to understand her character’s perspective.

Tensions between Jess and Susan intensified after Jess received a poor grade, leading to a confrontation where Susan physically defended herself. This incident resulted in Jess’s suspension and prompted an official inquiry. Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton), Jess’s boyfriend at the time, witnessed the altercation and urged her to reveal the truth; ultimately, Jess exonerated Susan.

Though coming from an affluent family, Jess exhibited troubled behavior. She confided in Tad that her parents were preoccupied with her sister Mary’s newborn, leaving her feeling overlooked. Despite developing a connection with Tad through collaborative school projects, Jess became a suspect after an explosion occurred on the school grounds—an act later attributed to Colin Rogers (John Tarle). Feeling isolated by these accusations, she confronted Susan again over academic issues, culminating in their physical dispute and Jess’s suspension. After admitting Susan’s innocence, Jess sought comfort with Tad following familial conflicts. Recognizing the intensity of their relationship, Tad decided to end it to preserve emotional stability.

Matt Hancock

Matthew "Matt" Hancock, brought to life by Stephen Hunt, made his first appearance on 26 March 2001. He was the initial member introduced from the five-member Hancock family. As the oldest sibling, Matt takes on a responsible and mature position within the household. Although he possesses sharp intelligence and charm, he faces difficulties with his academic performance, which worries his parents, even as they admire his engaging personality.

Evan Hancock

Evan Hancock, portrayed by Nicholas Opolski, was introduced on 13 April 2001 as the patriarch of the newly added Hancock family—a deliberate move by Neighbours to invigorate the cast following several departures. He works as a teacher at Erinsborough High and serves as a local councillor. Evan's history includes a divorce from Genevieve Murdoch, with whom he shares two sons, Chris and Matt. He later wed Maggie Hancock, and together they have two children, Leo and Emily.

Evan represents a progressive approach to education and committed fatherhood, earning admiration from students and community members alike despite occasional disagreements. The family's relocation to Ramsay Street caused some local unrest, while Evan's unconventional teaching style led to friction with fellow educators. Financial difficulties surfaced when Leo secretly sold essays to finance his breakdancing lessons, highlighting underlying familial tensions.

Evan pursued political ambitions, successfully securing a council seat over rival Joe Scully; however, his personal life suffered as his marriage with Maggie became strained due to her academic commitments and romantic complications involving Toadfish Rebecchi. Legal issues followed a car accident involving his sons, forcing the family to sell their home. Eventually, Evan and his family departed the show in 2002.

Critics observed Evan's resonance with younger viewers as the new math teacher and commended his courage in accepting the school position. His most memorable storyline involved tackling bullying through an email that caused conflict with colleague Susan Kennedy.

Jack Scully

Jack Scully, enacted by Paul Pantano, first appeared on 17 April 2001. After the Scully family’s introduction in 1999, Jack was often referenced before producers decided to bring him on-screen and cast Pantano. The character was later reintroduced in 2002 with Jay Bunyan assuming the role. Bunyan was selected through auditions held in New Zealand by Jan Russ. A BBC writer described Jack as "a bit feisty" who "stirred up trouble among local teenage girls" upon arriving in Erinsborough.

Maggie Hancock

Maggie Hancock, played by Sally Cooper, first appeared on 9 May 2001. Introduced to refresh the cast following the temporary departure of six regulars, Maggie serves as the matriarch of the Hancock family. She is married to Evan (Nicholas Opolski), and they have two children together—Leo (Anthony Hammer) and Emily (Isabella Oldham)—in addition to stepchildren Chris and Matt (Stephen Hunt). Balancing her law studies with managing a contemporary blended family forms a significant part of her storyline. Maggie works alongside Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) and rebuffs his romantic pursuits, which creates tension within her marriage.

The Hancocks relocate to Erinsborough when Evan accepts a teaching position. Early narratives include searching for their missing son Leo, coping with the anniversary of daughter Francesca’s death, and confronting financial difficulties intensified by Emily's disappearance and lost belongings. Maggie also supports legal actions such as assisting Libby Kennedy in an unfair dismissal lawsuit, which strains neighborly relations.

Increasing academic pressures and workload cause strain in Maggie’s marriage. Discovering Leo’s secret income from writing essays for others to fund breakdancing lessons leads to familial discord. After failing an exam but eventually graduating, Maggie joins a law firm alongside Toadie; their growing closeness further complicates her marital situation.

Following a car accident involving Matt and Leo, Maggie recommits herself to her family, turning down Toadie’s advances despite his feelings for her. This refusal is regarded as one of her defining moments. Evan initially demands a divorce but they later reconcile, selling their home to cover legal expenses before moving to Albury.

Larissa Calwell

Larissa Calwell, played by Leah De Niese, first appeared on 11 June 2001. Prior to this role, De Niese had been seen in Neighbours portraying Miranda Starvaggi. Larissa was depicted as a "cunning manipulator" and became a pivotal figure in a romantic triangle involving Paul McClain (Jansen Spencer) and Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton). Tad impersonated Paul through emails sent to Larissa; once the deception surfaced, Larissa cleverly used the situation to her benefit by deciding to date both men simultaneously to determine her true preference. This sparked a rivalry as Paul and Tad vied for her affection.

While traveling in Paris, Paul forms a friendship with Larissa, who later reaches out to him after returning to Australia. Tad assists Paul by briefing him on Larissa’s interests, particularly her passion for dance music. Their initial date is successful, followed by another where Paul showcases his DJ talents, impressing her further. When Larissa asks for a mix tape demonstration, Paul and Tad pretend their equipment is malfunctioning before revealing the email impersonation scheme. Larissa then suggests dating both men concurrently to choose between them; despite initial resistance, both agree.

The dates highlight differing qualities: Paul is romantic and thoughtful, whereas Tad is more impulsive and spontaneous. Both continue their pursuit until Felicity Scully (Holly Valance) advises Larissa to cease playing games with their affections. After extensive online communication, Larissa transfers from correspondence school to Erinsborough High. She attends one of Paul's football matches and later visits Tad while he DJs at a nightclub. There, Paul catches Larissa and Tad kissing, which leads to a confrontation between the two men. Ultimately, they reconcile, deciding that preserving their friendship outweighs competing over Larissa.

Tim Collins

Tim Collins, portrayed by Ben Anderson, made his debut on 27 September 2001. As a lawyer and occasional local councillor, Tim has represented numerous residents of Ramsay Street and is recognized as a "ruthless" and "unscrupulous" figure. Anderson returned to the role in 2013, with critics such as Melinda Houston from The Sydney Morning Herald in 2016 commending his influence on the show. Tim appeared again in the series' concluding episodes in July 2022, delivering crucial insights into Paul Robinson’s conduct.

Tim’s early career saw him employed at Stewart, Whitehead and Moore, where he crossed paths with Toadfish Rebecchi. He subsequently launched his own practice, Tim Collins & Associates, operating from offices within Lassiter's complex. Although Tim often clashed with Toadie professionally, they collaborated until Toadie and Rosie Cammeniti established their own firm due to dissatisfaction with Tim’s leadership style. Tim’s legal portfolio includes high-profile cases such as representing Kirsten Gannon in custody disputes, defending Paul Robinson against criminal charges, and engaging in conflicts concerning IVF rights at Erinsborough Hospital.

In addition to his legal work, Tim has been active in municipal politics, serving on the Erinsborough council and acting as interim mayor. His political tenure involved contentious decisions like shutting down community amenities and engaging in rivalry with Sonya Rebecchi, who eventually defeated him in a mayoral race. Expanding his influence into media ownership, Tim became editor of the West Waratah Star newspaper, utilizing it strategically for power plays and smear campaigns targeting local figures including Paul Robinson and Terese Willis.

Throughout his career, Tim has managed intricate personal dynamics—he was revealed to have a daughter named Courtney Grixti, whose engagement to Paul Robinson was part of an elaborate vendetta against him. Frequently employing legal stratagems and media control, Tim asserts dominance within Erinsborough’s business and political spheres. His activities often involve blackmail, legal disputes over property developments such as 26 Ramsay Street, and crisis management for clients like Mason Turner and Johnno Brewer.

Tim’s adept manipulation of media extends to exposing covert camera scandals at Lassiter's Hotel and shaping public opinion against adversaries. He advises clients on intellectual property matters exemplified by copyright issues surrounding Lassiter’s uniforms—combining legal expertise with opportunistic tactics to maintain his sway.

His professional rivalry with Toadie culminated when Tim supplanted him as legal counsel for a key client after uncovering Toadie's personal relationship with his assistant. Ongoing conflicts with Paul Robinson underscore Tim’s role as a formidable force within Erinsborough’s legal and commercial landscape, frequently operating behind the scenes to engineer outcomes favorable to his objectives.

Sandy Allen

Sandy Allen, played by Catherine Hill, made her debut on 5 October 2001. After a DNA analysis confirmed that her spouse John Allen (Adrian Mulraney) was the biological parent of Louise "Lolly" Carpenter, Sandy and John relocated to Erinsborough to meet their daughter. They later obtained full custody of Lolly and moved to a rural area. Sandy was employed as a pre-school educator near Ramsay Street and initially developed a strong bond with Lolly.

Several years on, following the birth of two children through IVF, Sandy’s feelings toward Lolly soured, linking her presence to John's past unfaithfulness. This animosity resulted in both psychological and physical mistreatment of Lolly. When Lolly escaped and returned to Erinsborough, Sandy consented to temporarily care for her, but their relationship deteriorated further. During an altercation by the pool, Sandy fell in and sustained injuries; Lolly saved her and disclosed the abuse to Lou Carpenter. Subsequently, John and social services intervened, leading to Sandy losing custody and departing after acknowledging she had fractured her family.

Mitch Foster

Mitch Foster, portrayed by Hugh Sexton, first appeared on 14 November 2001. Mitch is a criminal figure connected to Larry "Woody" Woodhouse (Andrew Curry). A BBC journalist described him as "a calculating opportunist" with a "menacing" demeanor. Mitch becomes involved with Woody’s former partner Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner), who defends him against allegations but ends their relationship upon uncovering his deceit. Later, Mitch commits a robbery at the courier firm where Steph is employed before vanishing. Bonner explained that after the theft, Steph reported Mitch to the authorities but was then given a motorbike by him, leading her to cooperate with police. However, Mitch takes advantage of Steph’s trust when she tries to locate him.

When Steph experiences harassment in a pub, Mitch steps in to protect her. He subsequently delivers equipment for Joe Scully (Shane Connor) and invites Steph out, revealing his acquaintance with Woody. Disturbed by Woody’s recent death, Mitch avoids discussing his imprisonment history. Steph arranges a dinner with him; although her mother Lyn (Janet Andrewartha) is suspicious, Mitch wins over the family by resolving a work-related problem for Joe. Mitch and Steph begin dating, and he supports Joe in dealing with an intimidating client. Their plans for a Sydney trip are interrupted when Woody returns from witness protection and exposes Mitch’s manslaughter conviction. Distrusting both men, Steph cuts ties.

Half a year later, an injured Mitch reappears seeking Steph’s assistance before disappearing once more. After an armed robbery is reported in the media, Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine) notifies police suspecting Mitch’s involvement. Mitch then robs MOCO, threatening Steph with a firearm and stealing cash from the register, implicating her in the crime. Steph and Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough) discover Mitch gravely wounded; Stuart records Mitch confessing that Steph's innocence cannot be verified. This recording leads to Mitch’s arrest following his apology to Steph.

The BBC identified Mitch’s most memorable storyline as "the MOCO hold-up and robbing Steph." Following these episodes, Ben Doherty of The Newcastle Herald remarked on Steph’s recurring tendency to become involved with problematic individuals who bring trouble into her life.

Liz Conway

Liz Conway made her initial appearance on 5 December 2001, originally played by Christine Keogh. She was introduced as the elder sister of Susan Kennedy and arrived in Erinsborough to request that Susan look after her "difficult" teenage daughter during a six-month period while she was overseas. On 29 June 2018, it was announced that the character would be returning, this time recast with Debra Lawrance, known for her role in Home and Away, for an extended guest role. Lawrance described Liz as "self-centered, quite selfish, and rather flighty," distinguishing her personality from that of her sister Susan.

Liz comes back to reconnect with her daughters Elly Conway and Bea Nilsson. Following this return, Lawrance earned acclaim for capturing Liz's multifaceted and often insensitive motherly role, emphasizing the tension and dark humor present in her family dynamics. The character reappeared once again on 24 June 2019.

After their mother's passing, Liz and Susan experience a falling out. Liz marries Ian Conway and has a daughter named Elly. When she is offered a job opportunity in Sweden, Liz asks Susan to care for Elly during her absence. Later on, Liz reveals she has a new partner named Lars and is expecting a child; Elly questions the baby's paternity but is reassured that Ian is the father. Karl Kennedy advises Liz to pay more attention to Elly; ultimately, Liz takes Elly with her to Sweden.

Sixteen years later, Liz returns after Susan informs her that Elly and Bea require support following manipulation and hostage events involving Finn Kelly. She discovers that Bea experienced homelessness after leaving home at age 15. Strain arises when Liz admits she wanted Bea gone because she reminded her of her father Lars. Following an unsuccessful reconciliation attempt marked by heavy drinking and dishonesty about an assault by Finn, Liz apologizes before departing with Susan's encouragement to confront her past.

Liz stays with Susan's family over Christmas, having quit drinking after attending a retreat. She expresses dedication to supporting her daughters amid family difficulties, including Susan’s legal issues. During this time, Liz flirts with Bea’s boyfriend Ned Willis and Mark Brennan but later criticizes Chloe Brennan for showing affection toward Elly, advising Chloe to suppress those feelings.

Elly Conway

Elly Conway first appeared on 13 December 2001, originally portrayed by Kendell Nunn. She is the "rebellious niece" of Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). According to Neighbours.com, Elly is "intelligent, perceptive and slightly rebellious," highlighting the challenges faced by her family in managing her behavior. On 28 April 2016, it was announced that actress Jodi Anasta would reprise the role of Elly, signing a three-year contract and returning on 18 July 2016. Now working as a school teacher like her aunt Susan, Anasta mentioned the part allowed her to realize a childhood ambition while exploring a playful and mischievous character side.

Stuart Parker

Stuart Parker, portrayed by Blair McDonough, made his debut on 13 December 2001. McDonough attracted producers' attention after finishing as runner-up on the inaugural season of Big Brother Australia, resulting in an initial three-month contract extended to six months before his first appearance. Stuart comes from Oakey, Queensland, introduced as the younger brother of one of Drew Kirk’s (Dan Paris) friends, whom he later follows to Erinsborough. McDonough described Stuart as straightforward and fun-loving; critics labeled him a "good-natured country boy." McDonough earned a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Male Talent in 2002.

Ben Kirk

Ben Kirk, first brought to life by Noah Sutherland starting 14 December 2001, is the offspring of Libby Kennedy (portrayed by Kym Valentine) and Drew Kirk (Dan Paris). Libby's life was put at serious risk during his birth, necessitating intensive medical care, though she eventually recovered. Sutherland received acclaim for his innate acting ability before Blake O'Leary assumed the role. A writer from Network Ten characterized Ben as his mother's "most steadfast supporter and pillar."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
	Jeannie Truman	Libby Stone	Mother to Allana and Clementine Truman; exhibits possessiveness by insisting Allana remain home due to illness; following disagreements, she endorses Allana and Lance's decision to relocate to America.
	Richie Hampson	Michael O'Malley	Sales representative for Beauty Tree who deceives Lyn Scully into investing; Teresa Bell uncovers his self-interested intentions at social gatherings.
19 January–2 February	Alice Jamison	Pip Sallabank	Partner and co-owner with Darcy Tyler of a medical practice; their troubled relationship culminates in separation.
20–21 February	Fergus MacLeod	Tommy Dysart	Drew Kirk's Scottish great uncle; participates in Drew and Libby's wedding and partakes in traditional festivities.
21 February	Sally Kirk	Niobe Dean	Siblings of Drew Kirk attending his wedding ceremony.
	Stuart Kirk	Stephen Godfrey
	Reverend Loftus	Bill Johnston	Conducts the wedding of Libby and Drew as well as Madge Bishop's funeral service.
	Glen Goldman	Gerard Cogley	Radio disc jockey hosting quiz competitions; Lance Wilkinson wins prize money but exposes the contests as rigged.
6 March–5 July 2002	Nathan Tyson	Luke Hemsworth	Football player for Eastside Dingoes who uses steroids; faces repercussions including expulsion from the team and legal troubles related to debt collection jobs.
29 March, 6 April	Steve Crandall	Travis Clark	MOCO delivery driver who is dismissed but later obtains improved employment through Steph Scully's assistance.
30 March	Dave Patrick	Chris Gaffney	Veteran MOCO driver initially fired due to personal loss but subsequently reinstated after reconsideration.
6 April	Brian Curtis	Ron Bingham	Food critic who offers a favorable review of Lou Carpenter's pub menu during a competition, influenced by personal factors.
17 April–17 May	Veronica Anderson	Monika Karwan	Teresa Bell’s housemate with a troubled history; develops an unhealthy obsession with Drew Kirk, prompting family intervention.
20–26 April	Elly Turnbull	Cherise Donovan	Academically talented friend of Michelle Scully who develops a crush on new teacher Evan Hancock.
20 April–11 May	Aleks Rama	Dean Ali	Close friend of Leo Hancock staying with the Hancock family while his parents are away.
23 April–13 September	Barry Burke	David Whiteley	Criminal associate linked to Kev Kelly involved in witness intimidation escalating to violent altercations with significant consequences.
25 April–6 March 2002	Genevieve Murdoch	Julie Campbell	Evan Hancock’s former spouse; visits son Matt offering financial assistance; reveals health complications and marital issues leading to divorce.
27 April–26 July	Nigel Armstrong	Andy Poulter	Neighbor to Drew and Libby causing noise disturbances through drumming but ultimately reaches an agreement with them.
10 May–6 June	Luke Dawson	Adrien Foley	Student and skateboarder dating Felicity Scully; they end their relationship amicably due to unresolved feelings for others.
15 May–6 June	Simone Pike	Amanda Levy	British traveler who briefly dates Joel Samuels before ending things over his affection for Felicity Scully.
17 May	"Gordon Scott'"	"Lachlan MacDonald"	"Father of Pamela McAdam; retrieves her from Erinsborough after her fixation on Drew Kirk comes to light."	"-	23 May–2 February 2012	"Audrey'"	"Audrey"	"Drew Kirk’s adopted Cairn terrier; remains linked with the Kennedy family following Drew’s death until euthanasia due to illness."	"-	14 June–2 July	"Dean Hearn'"	"Jason Buckley"	"Physical education teacher at Erinsborough High involved in bullying student Leo Hancock; resigns after investigation."	"-	18 June–6 July	"Laura Wallace'"	"Fiona Choi"	"Dates Matt Hancock; her occupation as a strippogram causes tension leading to their breakup though they stay friends."	"-	28 June–4 November 2002	"Collector Bob'"	"Henry Ismailiw"	"Owner of a toy store engaged in a dispute over a missing doll involving Leo and Emily Hancock; later provides financial support to Joe Scully."	"-	18–19 July	"Margaret Woolstead'"	"Helen Noonan"	"Dame Margaret initially refuses but eventually grants an interview to Libby Kennedy amid her pregnancy crisis."	"-	13 August–17 October	"Marcus Teague'"	"David Gould"	"Healthcare representative negotiating the sale of a medical practice involving Darcy Tyler and Karl Kennedy."	"-	15–22 August	"Rhonda Wilson'"	"Brenda Addie"	"Mother of Sheena Wilson who attempts to seduce Toadfish Rebecchi, creating relationship tensions."	"-	29 August–10 September	"Victor McMillan'"	"Desmond Connellan"	"Physician involved in Darcy Tyler’s scheme to take over Karl Kennedy’s practice; dates Dee Bliss disrupting the plan."	"-	{{nowrap}|4–11 September}}	'Monique Disney'	'Jacqi Swallow'	'Year 12 student suspended following incidents including underage drinking during a camping trip.'	'-	13 September–7 October 2002	'Adam Stevens'	'Nicholas Colla'	'Erinsborough High student known for bullying peers, cheating academically, and becoming cricket captain.'	'-	24 September–14 November	'John Allen'	'Adrian Mulraney'	'Engages in an affair with Cheryl Stark, establishes paternity of Louise Carpenter, gains custody, and relocates.'	'-	3 October–4 February 2002	'Archie Whitehead'	'Jerry Booth'	'Senior partner at law firm Stewart, Whitehead and Moore; offers Toadfish Rebecchi an internship amid firm controversies.'	'-	4 October–6 February 2002	'Zack Shaw'	'Owen Lee'	'Older boyfriend of Michelle Scully whose relationship ends amid rumors and social conflicts.'	'-	29 October–25 July 2003	'Annabelle Mann'	'Justine Press'	'Mediator in custody disputes involving Louise Carpenter; later represents Cameron Hodder in employment case against Karl Kennedy.'	'-	16 November–6 December	'Vernon Wells'	'Vince Gil'	'Marine biologist who hires Joel Samuels on a diving team despite initial skepticism.'	'-	21 November–30 January 2002	'Scotty Gibson'	'Philip Cameron Smith'	'Friend of Drew Kirk who borrows money for his farm but later causes conflict both personally and professionally.'