Max Snow
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. Introduced as the ex-boyfriend of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) and a surgeon at Northern Districts Hospital, Riley operates on Justin Morgan (James Stewart). His arrival uncovers previous ties, including Tori’s family being placed under witness protection, which leads to friction with fellow physician Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor).
Riley attempts to rekindle his romance with Tori, who remains hesitant due to their shared past. After a brief period of dating, he proposes that she relocate to the city; however, she declines because of family obligations. Later, Riley tries to have Nate dismissed by manipulating medical records, resulting in Tori ending their relationship. Following a confrontation involving Justin, Riley resigns from his hospital position and departs from town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. At the time residing in Los Angeles, Nolan traveled to Sydney for a screen test and secured a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as "somewhat enigmatic" with a sorrowful history, which inspired her move to Sydney for the role.
Within the storyline, Scarlett becomes connected to Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who is battling drug addiction. After initially restraining Brody during a confrontation, she supports his recovery by involving his family and offering him accommodation. Scarlett disapproves of Justin Morgan's (James Stewart) methods in handling Brody's addiction and eventually takes employment at Alf Stewart’s bait shop after losing her home due to Brody’s relapse and theft.
Scarlett’s estranged husband enlists Bruno Addlen (Johnny Nasser) to track her down, demanding $8,000 for his silence. With assistance from Tori and Alf, Scarlett manages to pay Bruno and continues rebuilding her life. She forms a bond with Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) and confides in Justin that her son Max passed away a year earlier, which contributed to her marital breakdown.
Following several personal struggles—including a boating accident and conflicts with Justin—Scarlett and Justin cautiously begin a relationship. Scarlett provides legal aid to Brody during his court proceedings, highlighting her background as a lawyer. Their relationship becomes complicated when Caleb Snow (Josh McConville), Scarlett’s husband, returns seeking reconciliation.
After an explosion at a bush cabin injures Scarlett, tensions escalate among her, Justin, and Caleb. Ultimately, recognizing the difficulties in her situation, Scarlett chooses to leave Summer Bay with Caleb.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, brought to life by Sophie Dillman, debuted on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The Astoni family represented the first new nuclear family introduced on the show in 17 years. Ziggy was depicted as a "rebellious teenager" and "wild child," positioned as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, made his debut on 20 June 2017. To be nearer to the filming site at Palm Beach, Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly. Ben arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their two daughters, Coco and Ziggy. This family was notable for being the first traditional nuclear family introduced to the series since 2000. Nichol characterized Ben as a devoted, caring, and easily relatable "good guy."
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi's casting was announced early in 2017, with further character details revealed on 4 June. She highlighted that the rapid pace of filming for the show was quite different from her previous film work. Maggie relocates to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The arrival of the Astonis marked the first introduction of a nuclear family into the soap opera in 17 years, since the Sutherlands' arrival in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, debuted on 21 June 2017 as the youngest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni. Their family’s introduction brought back a nuclear family dynamic after a 17-year gap. In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12 studies.
Coco’s narrative includes being suspended due to cyberbullying, adjusting to life after moving to Summer Bay, and managing school challenges alongside friendships. She forms a friendship with Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) and has a brief romantic involvement with VJ Patterson. Coco experiences struggles with bulimia, an eating disorder that affects her wellbeing and relationships. Following a collapse and hospitalization, she acknowledges her condition and receives support from those close to her.
She builds a relationship with Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich), involving dating and breakups. Coco stands by her mother Maggie during her cancer battle and acts as maid of honour at her sister Ziggy’s wedding. Eventually, she opts to attend boarding school in Cairns; although initially hesitant, Maggie ultimately supports her decision.
Months later, Coco returns for Raffy’s birthday celebration, confronting Brody Morgan over his infidelity with Simone Bedford. After reconciling with friends, she departs again for boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), played by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. For this role, Ryan lost 13 kg, stepping into a character designed to fill the "heart-throb" space left vacant by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a handyman, Australian Federal Police (AFP) agent, and gym owner who became central to the storyline and Kat’s romantic interest before his exit in early 2020. Ryan mentioned that he left because he felt his "time was done" on the show and valued concluding his role "on a high note."
Robbo initially appears with amnesia, hiding on an island before arriving in Summer Bay where locals Alf Stewart and Kat Chapman assist him. Nicknamed "Robbo" after Robinson Crusoe due to his isolated state, he struggles to remember his identity while settling into the community by taking a maintenance job at the Caravan Park. Early plots focus on Robbo uncovering clues about his past including tattoos linked to a woman named Rose and discovering a charred photograph near an unidentified body.
His history unravels through clashes with Dennis Novak, an ex-criminal partner targeting Kat. Robbo kills Novak in self-defense but becomes the main suspect in the case. After kidnapping Kat and ensuing events, Robbo surrenders but escapes with her help; they are involved in a serious car crash that results in Kat’s death. Robbo grieves while evading Ash who seeks vengeance.
He hides out with Tori Morgan and Willow Harris as he recovers memories revealing his true identity as Ryan Shaw. He learns that his family has died and that he was working undercover for the AFP as Beckett Reid investigating their killers. His real identity had been erased for protection purposes; his time in Summer Bay was part of this covert mission.
Following arrest and bail during his trial, Robbo is suddenly taken by the AFP to their headquarters where he regains full memory and is briefed by officer Lance Salisbury about protecting Kat through undercover work. Returning to Summer Bay with Lance, Robbo receives official identification and contemplates rejoining the AFP but instead purchases the local gym.
Robbo begins a relationship with Jasmine Delaney. They become engaged after Tori Morgan requests him to father a child via IVF; Tori becomes pregnant but suffers a miscarriage. When it emerges that Jasmine knew about Tori’s second pregnancy attempt without informing Robbo, he ends their engagement and leaves town briefly before returning. The couple reconciles and marries but are soon relocated to an AFP safe house.
Robbo undergoes hypnotherapy to recover memories related to Dylan Carter’s disappearance; although initially unsuccessful, he eventually succeeds. His storyline ends tragically when he dies from complications following a car accident despite successful surgery; he later appears to Jasmine in a dream sequence.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga’s involvement was confirmed in June 2017 while filming took place at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Introduced as a high school student, Jennifer initially bullies Coco Astoni (Anna Cocquerel) before evolving into a romantic interest for Hunter King (Scott Lee). Santariga’s performance quickly drew attention due to the character’s significant presence at Summer Bay High.
At the outset, Jennifer antagonizes Coco by mocking an embarrassing nickname and social media posts, which leads to conflicts involving other students such as Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) and VJ Patterson (Matt Little). After uncovering Coco’s eating disorder, Jennifer uses this information to manipulate VJ into going on a date with her, causing tension between Coco and Raffy. She also persuades Raffy to overindulge in alcohol at a fashion launch event.
During Summer Bay’s Glow Day, Jennifer suffers a wrist injury inflicted by Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich). She later flirts with Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), sharing a kiss that Mason rejects due to his personal grief. Jennifer offers support to Hunter King following his breakup and initiates a romantic relationship with him despite opposition from Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno).
After an incident at a university party where her father Nick confronts Hunter about concerns over alcohol use, Jennifer runs away and moves in with Hunter at Summer Bay House. When Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) asks her to leave due to inappropriate conduct, Hunter ends their relationship. Jennifer briefly experiences homelessness before returning to live with her father Nick, marking her departure from the series on 21 March 2018.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Although initially unsure about her audition, she was recalled and subsequently cast.
Apps described Beth as "cheeky" and "layered," with an intent to uplift those around her. Beth was introduced as a love interest for Mason Morgan (Pledger), with Apps noting that Beth recognized qualities in Mason she admired and wanted to support him.
Beth’s debut occurs at the hospital where she overhears Mason expressing frustration about his paralysis. Disguised in nursing scrubs, she cheers him up by encouraging him to race in a wheelchair through the corridors. Although she pretends to be a nurse, it is revealed that Beth is actually a patient being treated for cardiomyopathy and awaiting a heart transplant. She admits that her deception was intended to avoid pity, which strengthens her friendship with Mason.
Beth motivates Mason to forgive his brother Brody Morgan (Heywood) for causing the accident that left him paralyzed. Discovering Beth’s bucket list, Mason arranges for both of them to get tattoos. Their relationship develops further, including a dinner date and skinny dipping together. During a casino outing organized by Mason, Beth faints due to breathing difficulties and is hospitalized. Mason supports her throughout her treatment, and they become officially involved.
Mason meets Beth’s father, Alan Ellis (McDonough), who later demands that Mason stay away from Beth. Defiantly, Beth refuses to end their relationship. After another collapse requiring a stent procedure, Beth is prioritized on the transplant list. Once feeling better, Mason takes her out for lunch on the beach and presents her with a promise ring. Tragically, Beth suffers fatal arrhythmia and passes away in hospital.
Following Beth’s funeral, Mason experiences a vision of her encouraging him to continue moving forward in life.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, brought to life by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich secured the role soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his acting debut. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His early storyline centers around an incident where he breaks into the Surf Club and is caught attempting theft, which uncovers his familial link to Alf Stewart. Ryder's hesitance to disclose his mother's whereabouts causes concern for his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), hinting that he may have fled from home.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, debuted on 14 November 2017. Prior to this role, Roberts auditioned for parts including Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She characterizes Willow as a resilient, self-reliant, loyal, and fierce individual who injects a sense of mischief and upheaval into Summer Bay. Depicted as a "bad girl," Willow’s actions are driven by her desire to protect her loved ones, often leading to contentious choices. Her narrative arc features a romantic involvement with Justin Morgan (James Stewart).
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, was introduced on 18 December 2017. Frost’s casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 during her participation in Hell's Kitchen Australia. After two rounds of auditions, she earned the role, marking her first acting experience. Frost expressed enthusiasm, having been a long-time viewer of Home and Away.
Her appointment attracted some critique from industry professionals who viewed it as a publicity-driven decision. Jasmine’s storyline commences with a car accident resulting in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost describes Jasmine as "guarded" with underlying "anxious energy," concealing secrets and a troubled history.
Additional Characters
| Dates | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived following Mick's assault on Billie. She allows VJ Patterson to believe he is her father until their wedding day. Luc is born shortly after Billie escapes a bushfire and named in honor of Billie's deceased brother Luke Ashford. She endures serious health challenges including bowel torsion and septicaemia that require surgery and intensive care. Custody disputes arise between Ash and Mick; ultimately VJ relocates abroad with Luc to raise her in Cyprus. |
| 1 February– | Constable Corelli | Nick Cain | Assists Kat Chapman in investigating an arson incident and later discovers CCTV footage related to Robbo’s hostage situation. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | Provides support to Billie Ashford in breastfeeding her newborn daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | Transports John Palmer and Zac MacGuire following medical emergencies; offers critical updates regarding Zac’s injury. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Introduced as Billie and Martin Ashford's presumed-deceased brother Luke, Patrick copes with PTSD from military service. He faces challenges over custody of Luc Patterson but eventually commits to seeking treatment after bonding with her. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay | A university student involved in drug distribution at Salt restaurant; briefly works as a waitress before being dismissed due to substance use. Engages in a short relationship with Brody Morgan and later enters rehabilitation. |
| 7 March | Byron | Benjamin Winckle | Socially encourages Olivia Fraser Richards; has confrontations with Hunter King over Olivia’s attention. |
| 9 March | Local Woman | Meagan Caratti | Recognizes John Palmer from media coverage about fires; confronts him publicly but is defended by his wife Marilyn Chambers. |
| Local Man | James Caitlin | ||
| 13 March–18 April | Jess Kearney | Jess Bush | Collaborates academically with Olivia Fraser Richards; participates socially during Olivia’s birthday events. |
| 21 March | Cal Whitman | Craig Scott | A resident displaced by bushfires; interacts with John Palmer during community recovery initiatives. |
| 22 March, 6 December | Terry Diamond | Rob Flanagan | A prominent restaurant critic who reviews Salt; initially clashes with Brody Morgan but later praises his culinary skills. |
| 29 March–3 April | Donna Fields | Melissa Bonne | Musician visiting Phoebe Nicholson; discusses career decisions and invites Phoebe to join a US tour. |
| 29 March–29 August | Lachlan Piers | Warwick Allsopp | Legal counsel for John Palmer advising on litigation strategies; later involved in Ben Astoni’s planning disputes. |
| 29 March–20 April | James Mayvers | Tim Ross | Roo Stewart’s partner who visits Summer Bay; participates in storylines involving pregnancy loss and serves as a photojournalist covering John Palmer’s trial. |
| 3 April–30 August | William Zannis | Caleb Alloway | Drug dealer linked to Brody Morgan’s addiction arc; involved in violent incidents and kidnappings before being arrested by authorities. |