Lou De Bono

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced during 2009, all overseen by executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Initial additions included Gina and Hugo Austin in January; February saw the arrival of Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. In March, Liam Murphy and John Palmer joined the cast, followed by Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner in April. May Stone made her debut in June. July introduced the birth of Harry Holden alongside the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. Detective Robert Robertson arrived in August, with September concluding new character introductions with Romeo Smith.

Gina Austin

Gina Austin, portrayed by Sonia Todd, first appeared on 27 January 2009 and exited on 18 April 2013. The official show description presents her as a committed mother who recognizes her past errors concerning her eldest and youngest sons, facing adversity without indulging in self-pity. Industry commentary depicts her as a warm-hearted, grounded individual who places family above personal ambition. Todd emphasizes Gina’s role as a mother to three sons as central to her character.

Hugo Austin

Hugo Austin, played by Bernard Curry, made his initial appearance on 27 January 2009, departed on 26 January 2010, returned on 6 May 2010, and left again on 9 June 2010. Curry, who previously acted in rival Australian soap Neighbours, praised Home and Away for its complex characters and challenging roles. Hugo is described as an "outdoorsy" man with a toned physique and sun-kissed complexion.

Robert Cruze

Robert "Robbo" Cruze, portrayed by Aidan Gillett, debuted on 1 February 2009. Robbo worked alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins on a boat but frequently antagonized Joey because of her sexual orientation. After pushing her into the water, he escalated his aggression by sexually assaulting her and threatening her into silence. Joey eventually reported the assault; Robbo denied the allegations and responded with further violence. Following an attack interrupted by Charlie, Robbo was arrested and did not reappear.

Trey Palmer

Trey Palmer, played by Luke Bracey, first appeared on 9 February 2009. Despite having "an angelic appearance," Trey quickly gained attention for his mischievous conduct. His primary conflicts involved Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin, including a contentious storyline centered around recording and distributing a sex tape. This plotline echoed a recent real-life controversy involving actor Lincoln Lewis, intensifying its impact. Joe Brett from Holy Soap described Trey as a "neurotic wolverine."

Introduced as a disruptive student in Summer Bay, Trey engaged in bullying locals like Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) through racist insults and caused disturbances among staff. His ongoing rivalry with Geoff Campbell highlighted his antagonistic tendencies. Trey cited difficulties at home and clashes with his stepfather, John Palmer. He also harbored resentment toward Miles Copeland but softened after Kirsty intervened, developing an unreturned attraction to her. After rejection, Trey attempted to assault Kirsty; Miles intervened but was injured. Trey initially pressed charges against Miles, resulting in Miles' suspension before eventually withdrawing them.

Trey's demeanor improved somewhat as he grew closer to Nicole Franklin. They dated and became intimate, deciding to film their encounter— which Trey later leaked to humiliate Nicole in retaliation. His escalating hostility culminated in him holding up the school bus during a field trip, revealing he had planted a bomb underneath it. Although many students escaped following pleas for calm, the bomb detonated, severely injuring Hugo Austin. Trey was subsequently arrested for attempted murder.

Freya Duric

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

In 2009, the show featured two lesbian narratives, one of which involved Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya, whose kiss led to viewer complaints. James described their relationship: "Freya mirrors how Nicole was when she initially came to the bay, which explains their connection." Nicole feels "angry" at first after being placed on Freya's "not hot list," but Freya kisses her to challenge that label. Although Nicole feels uneasy, she enjoys the attention, recognizing that her life has become dull.

Freya arrives with the intention of reigniting her romance with Xavier Austin. Despite his initial reluctance due to his relationship with Ruby Buckton, Freya seduces him and causes disruptions in the community. She deals drugs in Summer Bay and persuades Xavier to distribute them at Summer Bay High. Following a disagreement with Nicole, Freya publicly kisses her to demonstrate she is not dull, irritating Geoff who suspects manipulation. While Freya takes pleasure in influencing Xavier, she eventually grows bored and later kisses his brother Hugo, unaware that Xavier witnesses this. Hugo ends their relationship, prompting Freya to leave abruptly.

Joey Collins

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

The producers introduced Joey’s storyline as a strategy to enhance ratings through a romantic plotline with Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson). Over a five-week span, their friendship develops into a romantic relationship featuring intimate moments. Executive producer Cameron Welsh mentioned that Joey’s return remains possible due to her popularity and Bell’s strong performance.

Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze. Robbo harasses Joey, culminating in an attempted sexual assault which Joey reports despite skepticism from her brother Brett and others. Charlie intervenes when Robbo tries to drown Joey; Robbo is subsequently arrested. Charlie and Joey begin a secret relationship but face gossip and homophobic reactions from the community. Struggling with her sexuality and job pressures, Charlie’s difficulties lead Joey to depart after an emotional farewell for another job opportunity.

Liam Murphy

Liam Murphy, played by Axle Whitehead, first appeared on 5 March 2009. Musician and TV presenter Whitehead successfully auditioned for this role. Initially planned for fifteen episodes, Liam is portrayed as a rebellious "bad boy rocker." Whitehead drew upon his own experiences to authentically depict Liam’s challenges with drug addiction.

Brendan Austin

Brendan Austin, enacted by Kain O'Keeffe, arrived on 25 March 2009. After collaborating with other cast members, O’Keeffe was cast as Brendan, who was introduced following the rest of the Austin family and revealed to have autism—a condition that creates tension between him and his brothers Xavier and Hugo.

Brendan comes to Summer Bay accompanied by his mother Gina. Xavier had been Brendan’s primary caregiver, which caused friction among siblings. Initially kept hidden from friends, Brendan eventually gains acceptance through Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton. Under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan runs away multiple times, including one incident where he causes a car crash injuring Roman Harris—who later forgives him after understanding Brendan’s condition. Brendan has a phobia of blue cars due to witnessing a prior accident involving his family.

He later introduces his girlfriend Ruby Leeds, who has Down syndrome—a fact that clears up confusion with Ruby Buckton. Demonstrating bravery by rescuing Xavier from drowning despite his limitations, Brendan earns Gina’s support to move into sheltered accommodation with Ruby. He returns briefly believing he is attending Hugo’s funeral—later revealed to be untrue. After Gina’s death in 2013, it was noted that Brendan was too distraught to attend her funeral.

John Palmer

John Palmer, brought to life by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather to Trey Palmer. Withington, who previously appeared in A Country Practice, joined the cast of Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. John's persona is portrayed as a "strict father" figure and an active participant in the surf lifesaving community.

Claudia Hammond

Claudia Hammond, enacted by Alexandra Park, was introduced on 10 April 2009. Her storyline begins through a romantic involvement with Geoff Campbell, which leads to a pregnancy that complicates relationships. Their narrative includes pivotal moments such as their initial sexual encounter and being trapped during a caravan fire. Geoff’s religious convictions interpret this event as divine retribution, adding complexity to the plot.

Series producer Cameron Welsh emphasized the nuanced nature of Claudia’s pregnancy arc, which initially involved her concealing the true paternity. When Lachie sustains injuries caused by Geoff, Claudia is overcome with guilt and reveals the father’s identity to Geoff, sparking conflict that ultimately results in her departure.

Claudia arrives in Summer Bay to assist on the farm alongside Geoff, where mutual feelings develop into a romantic relationship. Following their intimate encounter and the subsequent fire incident, Lachie holds Geoff responsible for his injuries. Claudia initially denies that Lachie fathered her child despite his efforts to reconcile. As tensions escalate between Geoff and Lachie, Geoff’s aggressive tackle leaves Lachie seemingly paralyzed. Overcome with remorse, Claudia confesses that Lachie is the father, prompting Geoff to expel her from his life.

Lachie’s violent tendencies persist, culminating in abusive behavior toward Claudia. She establishes firm boundaries regarding their child and ultimately leaves to reside with her cousin in Dubbo, exiting without either man.

Lachie Cladwell

Lachie Cladwell, portrayed by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is depicted as Claudia Hammond’s (Alexandra Park) intermittent ex-boyfriend. After several breakups, Lachie returns with intentions to win Claudia back but eventually concedes to leave her alone. Claudia announces her pregnancy while initially denying that Lachie is the father, which creates friction with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Following a violent rugby match incident that leaves Lachie hospitalized with possible paralysis, Claudia admits that he is the biological father. Despite Lachie’s hopes for forming a family, Claudia rejects him and departs from Summer Bay.

The Daily Record observed that Geoff’s usually calm demeanor fractured during his altercation with Lachie.

David Gardiner

David "Gardy" Gardiner, portrayed by Jeremy Sims, made his debut on 13 May 2009. His performance was commended by the Sydney Morning Herald for its authenticity, while Gardy is depicted as a cunning antagonist. The Daily Record labeled him a "villain" despite his charismatic facade.

Gardy inserts himself into the life of his visually impaired military comrade Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), creating friction with Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). He becomes embroiled in a significant fight and undertakes perilous stunts intended to aid Roman’s recovery of sight. After Roman regains vision, Gardy manipulates him into participating in a liquor store robbery that triggers an elderly woman’s heart attack. When confronted about inappropriate behavior toward Nicole, Gardy threatens to implicate Roman falsely.

Increasingly involved in criminal schemes, Gardy invades the Palmer residence, taking Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. It emerges that Gardy blackmails Roman over a wartime shooting incident. He orchestrates a warehouse heist in Mangrove River, locking workers inside a storeroom with plans to eliminate witnesses. During this standoff, Roman resists and sustains gunshot wounds; Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) arrives but is also captured. A confrontation unfolds resulting in Roman shooting Gardy in the leg before police intervene. Despite his injury, Gardy escapes into a nearby creek and vanishes.

May Stone

May Stone, played by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She soon enters into a relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved in rekindling a romance with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress portraying Charlie, remarked that although Charlie's behavior caused complications, it was never meant to harm May. The Daily Record criticized Angelo for his lack of empathy towards May, who was visibly upset after their separation.

As May becomes part of the community, she embarks on a romance with Angelo. Despite his assurances, Angelo’s lingering feelings for Charlie lead to an affair. When May expresses her commitment to Angelo, the truth about his infidelity surfaces. After their breakup and learning about Angelo’s betrayal, May decides to resign from her teaching position and leaves Summer Bay.

Harry Holden

Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by various child actors, first appeared on 30 July 2009. He is the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. Following his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty bonding with Harry and coping with his incessant crying, even briefly considering smothering him before seeking assistance. Tension arises when Jane Avent accuses Rachel of being an unfit mother and abducts Harry. The police eventually recover Harry safely and return him to his parents. In August 2010, Harry moves to Boston alongside Rachel and Tony, pausing briefly to visit the grave of his half-brother Jack before leaving.

Sid Walker

Sid Walker, portrayed 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, returned as permanent characters in June 2010.

Dexter Walker

Dexter Walker, initially played by Tom Green starting on 30 July 2009, was recast in 2010 with Charles Cottier when the character was reintroduced. Cottier noted a transformation in Dexter’s character and chose not to watch Green’s earlier portrayal. One of Dexter’s early storylines involved a romantic relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both challenging and significant due to the notable age gap between the characters.

Indigo Walker

Indigo Walker, enacted by Samara Weaving, first appeared on 30 July 2009 as part of the newly introduced Walker family—Sid, Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), Dexter, and Indigo. The family departed in September 2009 but returned in June 2010. Weaving commented that her return featured a more manageable filming schedule.

Robert Robertson

Robert Robertson, played by Socratis Otto, first appeared on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder mystery plotline, Robertson was designed to blend dark themes with humor as a versatile detective capable of engaging various characters during investigations. Otto utilized his comedic talents and drew inspiration from eccentric investigator archetypes to develop the role, describing it as one of his most fulfilling.

Robertson is a police detective assigned to Summer Bay to investigate the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton’s biological father. Initially suspecting Ruby’s mother Charlie, he later uncovers that her father Ross is responsible. Known for his quirky personality and storytelling flair, Robertson remains an effective law enforcement officer. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker, though she declines to pursue a deeper relationship.

He returns to probe the disappearance of Penn Graham, collaborating with Detective Graves and focusing suspicion on Alf Stewart as the main suspect. Despite several arrests, Robertson cannot gather sufficient evidence and damages relationships along the way, including pressuring Will Smith into implicating Alf. When Will’s testimony is discredited by Morag Bellingham, Robertson must release Alf and instead charge Will. Feeling his abilities questioned, he confides in Leah for support. Offered a promotion in the city, Robertson invites Leah and her son to accompany him, but she declines.

Romeo Smith

Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell obtained the role after moving to Sydney without employment. Romeo is depicted as charming, witty, humorous, and courteous. His family on the show includes his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). His main romantic plotline centers around his relationship with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).

Additional Characters

Appearance Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
30 January	Bank manager	Christopher Saunders	Identifies Bridget Simmons’ unlawful attempt to access Leah Patterson-Baker's account and notifies Leah.
30 January–6 October	Don Gibson	Steve Anderson	Collaborates with Aden on the boat; involved in illicit abalone harvesting and attempts to incriminate Aden. Provides details on Hugo’s arrest.
2–6 February	Steve Hogan	Damien Freeglass	Briefly appears as a police constable investigating in Summer Bay.
3 February	Lawyer	Blair Cutting	Legal representative for Angelo Rosetta.
4 February–25 January 2010	Lou De Bono	David Roberts	Dates Irene Roberts; dies at sea causing Irene’s mistaken arrest.
9–10 February	Archie Maddock	Tim Phillipps	Homeless individual who protects Melody Jones and informs Miles Copeland of her location.
10 February	Thug	Zen Ledden	Assailant of Melody Jones and Archie Maddock.
19 February	Mryll Ramsay	Kim Hillas	Initially declines interview to safeguard her elderly care facility; persuaded by Melody Jones.
19–25 February	Audrey Long	Wendy Playfair	Melody Jones’s grandmother who suffers a fatal stroke during the storyline.
3–19 March	George	Benjamin O'Donnell	Speed dating participant; briefly connects with Leah before her commitment to Roman.
9 March–29 July	Brett Collins	Toby Levins	Joey Collins’s older brother; struggles with her sexuality but ultimately reconciles after family turmoil.
16 March–26 January 2010	Derrick Quaid	John Atkinson	Survivor of shipwreck involved in illegal human smuggling; confronts Geoff Campbell and Nicole Franklin before arrest alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro.
19 March–13 November	Jerry Thibault	Nicholas Cassim	Newspaper employer engaging in an affair with Paula Gill; promises Belle a promotion but later withdraws it, causing workplace conflict.
19 March	Tanya Gannon	Hayley McCarthy	Robert Cruze’s ex-partner who files a complaint against him; suffers a hit-and-run upon arrival in Summer Bay.
20 March	Paula Gill	Paula Arundell	Colleague of Belle; involved in an affair with Jerry Thibault and bullies Belle over her addiction struggles.
23 March–23 November	Donna De Bono	Suzie MacKenzie	Estranged wife of Lou De Bono who manipulates events leading to Irene Roberts’s wrongful implication in Lou’s death.
23 April	Chelsea Murphy	Georgia Gorman	Liam Murphy’s wife; publicly disputes Liam’s drug problems, later divorces and moves to Paris with their son Ash.
23–28 April	Ash Murphy	Dusty Piper	Young son of Liam and Chelsea Murphy.
1–2 June	Jenena Palmer	Anna Lise Phillips	Trey Palmer’s mother and John Palmer’s spouse.
13 June–13 July	Clint Mailer	Matt Zeremes	Rugby coach who pressures Aden Jefferies into sabotaging teammate Geoff Campbell under threat of team removal.
14 July–18 August	Jane Avent	Felicity Price	Hospital patient whose stillbirth leads her to blame Rachel Armstrong, culminating in harassment and abduction of Rachel’s son Harry before seeking assistance.
14 July–18 August	Rex Avent	Sandy Winton	Jane Avent’s husband; initially supports Jane but later recognizes her need for help following the kidnapping incident.
14 July–26 January 2010	' Wayan Rahardjo	' Dorje Swallow'	' Non-English speaking hospital patient connected to Hugo Austin; utilized by Angelo Rosetta during investigation into human trafficking network.'
20–21 July	' Paul	' Thomas Norrie'	' Brief appearance as an extra within Summer Bay.'
23 July–18 August	' Squirt	' Ben Davy-Thorburn'	' Friend and coworker of Aden Jefferies; participates in Aden’s stag party.'
29 July-27 November	' Marine Officer Bryant	' Michael Sutherland'	' Water police officer assisting Angelo Rosetta with inquiries into people smuggling.'
30 July–17 August 2011	' Jody Walker	' Victoria Haralabidou'	' Sid Walker's spouse attempting family reconciliation but departs following infidelity; returns briefly afterward.'
20 August	' Michelle	' Michelle Pettigrove'	' Charlie Buckton's aunt providing information concerning Charlie’s daughter Ruby.'
24 August–8 July 2010	' Therese	' Rose Ashton'	' Nurse at Northern Districts Hospital involved in a short-term affair with doctor Sid Walker, leading to workplace tension.'
28 August–11 September	' Andy McLeod	' Paul Winchester'	' Acquaintance from parent group offering parenting advice to Rachel Armstrong; friendship causes marital strain.'
	' Sophia McLeod	' Madeline Andrews'	' Daughter of Andy McLeod diagnosed by Rachel Armstrong with a hearing impairment.'
1–16 September	' Grant Bledcoe	' Clayton Watson'	' Biological father of Ruby Leeds accused of rape by Charlie Buckton; later found dead, triggering investigation implicating Ross Buckton.'
8 September	' Tracey Bledcoe	' Mary Anne Byrne'	' Wife of Grant Bledcoe, shocked by allegations against her husband.'
15 September–1 March 2012	' Patrick Avery	' Clayton Williams'	' Police constable appearing intermittently across cases, including bailing Sid Walker on assault charges.'
18–22 September	' Ruby Leeds	' Tracie Sammmut'	' Brendan’s girlfriend advocating for his independence; they move into supported accommodation together.'
18 September	' Pheobe	' Alisha Burton'	' Brief friend of Jai Fernandez.'
30 September	' Jim	' Mark Richardson'	' Hotel manager making a brief appearance.'
1 October–27 January 2010	' Bambang Rahardjo	' Joft Prastowo'	' Son of Wayan Rahardjo assisting Martha MacKenzie on the farm; used by Angelo Rosetta as bait against the trafficking ring leader.'
3 October–26 January 2010	' Suzy Sudiro	' Tasneem Roc'	' Ex-wife of Hugo Austin engaged in illegal immigrant smuggling; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom before being subdued by Charlie Buckton.'
6–17 November	' Riley Radcliffe	' Tani Edgecombe'	' School bully targeting VJ Patterson; conflict escalates revealing abuse from his father Ian Radcliffe.'
	' Ian Radcliffe	' Ben Simpson'	' Denies son's bullying but assaults Riley himself; attempts bribery before police uncover facts.'
9–24 November	' Poppie Merrin	' Elouise Blair'	' Attempts to seduce Liam Murphy leading to false rumors and Liam’s arrest for drug possession.'
17–24 November	' Reg Merrin	' Dane Carson'	' Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies and dismisses him following an incident involving his daughter Catie Merrin.'
18–24 November	' Catie Merrin	' Tess Haubrich'	' Reg Merrin's daughter aggressively pursues Aden Jefferies causing workplace disruption and Aden's termination.'
19–23 November	' Orson Cardillo	' Mark Lee'	' Donna De Bono's gardener implicated in framing incident leading to heart attack and mystery surrounding a planted firearm.'
20 November	' Bonita Cardillo	' Suzi Dougherty'	' Orson Cardillo's wife defending his innocence amid accusations.'
25 November–18 February 2010	' Hazem Kassir	' Ben Kermode'	' Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; suffers racially motivated assault resulting in paralysis and eventual breakup.'
26 November	' Prison Guard	' Joe Tarena'	" On duty during Derrick Quaid's custody escape."

External links

• Present lineup of cast and characters on the Official Home and Away site
• Current cast details available at Holy Soap