Louise Keating

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; Giblin had previously been part of the cast. Meagher recommended Giblin for the part, describing her as "the ideal choice." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the series' 30th anniversary celebrations, it was disclosed that Martha had not died as once believed but had vanished due to personal unhappiness. Their daughter Roo Stewart endeavored to locate her mother, who eventually returned to Summer Bay. Despite Alf’s marriage to Ailsa Stewart, Martha and Alf rekindled their romantic relationship. Martha temporarily departed after experiencing anxiety linked to her borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Martha was married to Alf and is mother to Ruth "Roo" Stewart. Thought to have drowned in a sailing mishap in 1985, she appeared in flashbacks and was central to storylines surrounding Bobby Simpson’s adoption. When Alf feared for his life, he disclosed that Martha was still alive. She later came back to Summer Bay, explaining that her absence was due to battling BPD and apprehension about reconnecting.

Following treatment, Martha reconnected with Roo and Alf. Although initially strained, she and Alf resumed their relationship. Her BPD-related anxiety prompted a temporary departure, but they later made their relationship official. Martha eventually returned permanently to Summer Bay, accepted Alf’s marriage proposal, remarried him, and they briefly left before coming back.

Martha owns a residence and studio in Merimbula, which occasionally causes friction with Alf, who wishes for her to sell it. She views this property as crucial for managing her BPD. Martha also revealed to Roo and Alf that she has a son, Kieran Baldivis, with whom she shares a complex relationship; Kieran later arrives in Summer Bay.

Currently, Martha resides 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 on the show portraying headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown of TV Week labeled Vicki as "Summer Bay’s resident trouble-maker." Although Coburn initially disliked the role, she grew fond of portraying a villainous character. She appeared intermittently until filming her final scenes in June 1990, reflecting that the role provided consistent work and valuable experience. She particularly enjoyed filming a fight scene with Dannii Minogue shortly before leaving.

Vicki served as an antagonist within Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, frequently bullying classmates such as Carly Morris and Viv Newton while often clashing with Emma Jackson. After unsuccessfully attempting to pursue teacher Grant Mitchell, she falsely accused him of sexual harassment, leading to his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, resulting in Grant's reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, which led to Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover her manipulations, ultimately causing Vicki’s expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed 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 chemistry between Hall and Willits, leading them to consider bringing Rebecca back in recurring roles. The character was later recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period in 1994 and subsequently with Belinda Emmett in 1996. Emmett's performance garnered her nominations for the Logie Awards in categories including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), and the prestigious Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but returned to the role from 1995 until 1999. Initially, Dannii Minogue auditioned for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons assumed the role 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, enacted by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on screen on 28 June 1989. Prior to this role, Stevenson had featured in the rival soap Neighbours as a minor criminal named Skinner. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this part. Stevenson exited the show in 1994, describing Adam as somewhat lazy and inclined toward leisure rather than responsibility—a contrast to his own more conscientious personality. A columnist from Inside Soap labeled Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 for a guest appearance and expressed interest in rejoining full-time, noting that little had changed on the program since his departure.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, made her first appearance on 5 July 1989 and left the series on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming soon after co-star Justine Clarke left the show. She told Look-in magazine that she preferred staying active on set, often causing crew members to search for her when she was off-script.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, debuted on 22 September 1989 and departed on 22 August 1990. Although Minogue initially auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers, she was cast as Emma instead. She left after one year to concentrate on her music career. Despite rumors of a return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reappear. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Her portrayal contributed to her being named among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever" by Holy Soap.

Others

26 October–15 November||Rory Heywood || Gregor Jordan || Visitor searching for Fletcher family under false pretenses; integrates into community before being fatally attacked by shark prompting local rescue led by Adam Cameron. 30 October–2 November||Mick || Bruce Samazan || Andrew Foley’s friend and drug addict causing conflict with Stacey Macklin before leaving town abruptly. 31 October || Chas || Richard Huggett || Pool player hustled by Mick warning friends Lance Smart and Martin Dibble about Mick’s skills before they consider challenging him themselves. 17 November||"Rosemary White" ' || Zoe Bertram || Sister of Rory Heywood revealing his true identity to Fletcher family following his death.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s late fiancé appearing in flashbacks set in 1970; they celebrated their engagement before Les was killed during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas arrives engaged to Stacey Macklin; he conspires with Stacey's father to acquire the caravan park, sends poison pen letters framing Roo Stewart, and assaults Stacey before Tom Fletcher intervenes.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, younger sibling of Alison and Mav Patterson, attends Summer Bay Primary School; she uncovers Morag Bellingham’s memoirs stored on floppy disks and disputes Sally Fletcher about the "Summer Bay Bunyip."
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Husband of Morag Bellingham for twenty years; they separate following revelations about Morag’s maternity secret; he warns Roo Stewart to avoid Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag Bellingham's secret; he manipulates Celia Stewart to gain information and convinces Lance Smart to lie about a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble; she is illiterate but learns to read with Matt Wilson’s help; after conflicts involving Martin and her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe, she leaves with Meat Axe, ending her relationship with Martin.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting regarding a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble’s mother who appears when Martin introduces Leanne Dunn to his family.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Brother of Martin Dibble, present at family gathering.
8 March	Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Another brother of Martin Dibble attending family meal.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who returns as her personal aide; befriends Celia Stewart but resigns seeking independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about Alan Fisher’s novel and Morag Bellingham’s maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Ex-boyfriend of Leanne Dunn who fights Martin Dibble over her; after violent altercation, Leanne leaves with him.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge arrives causing trouble—stealing money, firebombing a store killing Philip Matheson, bullying foster siblings; arrested for murder; paroled in 1995; commits further crimes including murder and framing Steven Matheson before disappearing after confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner; romantically involved with Roo Stewart despite warnings; falsely accused of arson due to Dodge Forbes' schemes; leaves town after sending repayment letter.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley who seeks reconciliation before dying; leaves Andrew money along with an apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Representative from Department of Childcare Services overseeing foster placements; investigates child abuse allegations involving Viv and Tammy Newton; temporarily suspends Donald Fisher's guardianship during legal proceedings.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart's inflated claim following her store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor approached by Macklin development who initially declines but later signs contract after persuasion by Martin Dibble.
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 resolved through Roo Stewart’s negotiation; helps rescue Marilyn Chambers during emergency.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; influences Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart during crisis.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Friend of Stacey Macklin who forms music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; leaves for promotion job in Los Angeles inviting Stacey to join later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman providing assistance to Viv Newton during her period living rough.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes blame.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and father of Viv and Tammy Newton; abuses daughters leading authorities to intervene and remove custody rights.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton involved in custody battles due to father's abuse; reunites with mother Angela Newton and relocates to Queensland with family.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle and local council member who employs Matt as beach inspector; resigns following heart attack amid council disputes.
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; ultimately accepts Sally's decision to remain with Fletchers before leaving town with wife Louise.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating unable to have children due to ovarian cancer treatment; bonds with niece Sally before departing Summer Bay.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell over molestation allegations later disproved.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge on Morag Bellingham for father's imprisonment and suicide; holds Morag hostage before fleeing after psychotic episode intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in arrests and investigations; confesses guilt over hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death leading to suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor arranging Tom Fletcher’s transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma at city hospital.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it is a 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 due to family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; strands him on remote island by sailing off alone.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after offers from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble are declined.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife and Matt Wilson's aunt present during council disputes affecting local businesses.

External links

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