May Stone (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| 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 lists characters who were introduced in 2009, organized by their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season ran from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Early in the year, characters such as Gina and Hugo Austin made their debut in January; February introduced Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. March saw the arrival of Liam Murphy and John Palmer, while April featured Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner. In June, May Stone was added to the cast. July included the birth of Harry Holden alongside the introduction of the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. Detective Robert Robertson appeared in August, followed by the introduction of Romeo Smith in September.
Gina Austin
Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, first appeared on 27 January 2009 and departed on 18 April 2013. According to the official description, Gina is a devoted mother who has endured difficulties with her sons but remains steadfast and nurturing, embodying a warm, grounded presence who places family above her own ambitions. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s identity as a mother to three boys is central to her character.
Hugo Austin
Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, made his first appearance on 27 January 2009, left on 26 January 2010, returned on 6 May 2010, and exited again on 9 June 2010. Curry, who had previously acted in competing soap Neighbours, described his experience working on Home & Away as a fulfilling challenge. Hugo is depicted as an outdoors enthusiast with a fit build and sun-kissed complexion.
Robert Cruze
Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, debuted on 1 February 2009. Robbo is employed on a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, where he antagonizes Joey due to her sexual orientation. After pushing her into the water, he escalates his behavior to sexually assaulting her and threatening her to keep silent. Joey ultimately reports the assault; Robbo denies all allegations. His former girlfriend Tanya Gannon arrives to provide support but is subsequently struck by a vehicle. Robbo later attacks Joey again, attempting to drown her until Charlie intervenes and detains him. He faces charges and does not return thereafter.
Trey Palmer
Trey Palmer, played by Luke Bracey, was introduced on 9 February 2009. Despite his seemingly innocent "angelic" looks, Trey quickly gained a reputation for "mischievous conduct," becoming a disruptive force in Summer Bay, particularly targeting characters such as Geoff Campbell and Nicole Franklin. His storyline prominently featured a controversial sex tape with Nicole that echoed a recent real-world scandal, eliciting strong reactions from viewers.
Trey is portrayed as a troubled teenager who bullies classmates like Jai Fernandez and frequently clashes with educators. He cites difficulties at home and experiences ongoing friction with his stepfather, John Palmer. His hostility extends toward Miles Copeland but diminishes when he develops unreturned feelings for Kirsty. After a violent altercation involving Miles, Trey initially files charges but later retracts them.
In an effort to change, Trey grows closer to Nicole; they start dating and eventually record a sex tape together. Trey leaks the tape as revenge, leading to Nicole’s public embarrassment. His anger escalates further when he takes hostages on a school bus and reveals he has planted an explosive device. The resulting blast severely injures Hugo Austin and culminates in Trey’s arrest for attempted murder.
Freya Duric
Freya Duric, brought to life by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.
In 2009, the series explored two lesbian narratives, one featuring Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya, whose on-screen kiss generated viewer complaints. James described their relationship as Freya embodying Nicole’s previously rebellious persona, which intrigues Nicole despite her initial hesitation. Freya kisses Nicole in public to demonstrate Nicole’s attractiveness, leading Nicole to acknowledge she has become dull.
Freya arrives with the intention of reigniting a romance with Xavier Austin but encounters opposition due to his involvement with Ruby Buckton. Despite Gina’s warnings, she persistently attempts to seduce Xavier. Freya causes local disturbances and introduces drug dealing, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. After falling out with Nicole, she kisses her openly, irritating Geoff who suspects manipulation. Additionally, Freya kisses Hugo, Xavier’s brother, unaware that Xavier observes the act. Following the breakup, Freya departs Summer Bay swiftly.
Joey Collins
Joey Collins, portrayed by Kate Bell, debuted on 12 February 2009.
The producers introduced Joey to develop a lesbian storyline involving Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson) aimed at increasing viewership. Over a five-week arc, their friendship deepens into a romantic relationship featuring intimate moments such as kissing and dancing. Executive producer Cameron Welsh remarked on Joey’s popularity and left open the possibility of her return.
Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who subjects her to harassment. After Robbo pushes her into the water, Joey confides in Aden about her sexuality and begins developing feelings for Charlie. Her brother Brett strongly disapproves and eventually expels her from their home, leading Joey to move in with Charlie.
Robbo escalates his harassment to sexual assault and threatens Joey against reporting him. With encouragement from Aden and Belle Taylor, Joey files a complaint; however, Robbo denies the allegations and Brett refuses to believe her. Robbo’s ex Tanya tries to support Joey but is struck by a hit-and-run driver. Later, Robbo attempts to drown Joey but is stopped by Charlie and subsequently arrested. Charlie responds by kissing Joey.
Their discreet relationship encounters homophobic reactions within the community. Charlie struggles with reconciling her sexuality alongside professional duties, causing Joey to feel neglected. Ultimately, Joey tearfully departs for another job opportunity.
Liam Murphy
Liam Murphy, enacted by Axle Whitehead, first appeared on 5 March 2009. Musician and television presenter Whitehead won the role through auditioning. Initially intended for a fifteen-episode stint, Liam was depicted as a "bad boy rocker." Whitehead drew upon his own experiences to authentically portray Liam’s battles with substance abuse.
Brendan Austin
Brendan Austin, played by Kain O'Keeffe, was introduced on 25 March 2009. Cast after collaborating with other serial actors, Brendan arrived alongside the Austin family and was characterized as having autism, which created friction among his siblings Xavier and Hugo.
Brendan moves to Summer Bay with his mother Gina, revealing his autism diagnosis. Xavier had been Brendan’s primary caregiver, which caused tension between the brothers. Initially kept hidden from other students, Brendan gains acceptance thanks to support from Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton. Under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan runs away multiple times, including an incident leading to a car crash injuring Roman Harris; Roman later forgives Brendan due to his condition.
Brendan's fear of blue cars originates from witnessing a traumatic accident involving Hugo. He later introduces Ruby Leeds as his girlfriend; she has Down syndrome, which initially causes confusion because of her name's similarity to Ruby Buckton. Despite his challenges, Brendan saves Xavier from drowning and earns Gina’s trust to move into supported housing and attend a specialized learning center. He briefly returns believing Hugo has died—though Hugo was alive—and in 2013 it was mentioned Brendan would not attend Gina’s funeral due to emotional distress.
John Palmer
John Palmer, portrayed by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, recognized for his role in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. His character is characterized as a "strict father" figure and is affiliated with the surf lifesaving club.
Claudia Hammond
Claudia Hammond, brought to life by Alexandra Park, debuted on 10 April 2009. She becomes romantically involved with Geoff Campbell and later reveals she is expecting a child. Their storyline intensifies when they are trapped together in a caravan fire after an intimate encounter. Series producer Cameron Welsh emphasized the layered nature of Claudia’s pregnancy plot, which involves her initially concealing the true identity of the father.
Claudia arrives to assist on Geoff’s farm, leading to their romantic relationship. After their night together and the subsequent fire incident, Lachie—Claudia’s former partner—holds Geoff responsible for sustaining injuries. Claudia first denies Lachie’s paternity but eventually admits he is the father, sparking conflict with Geoff who then asks her to leave. Lachie tries to mend their relationship but turns aggressive, causing Claudia to bar him from their child’s life and depart Summer Bay to live with her cousin in Dubbo.
Lincoln Lewis, who plays Geoff, remarked that Claudia’s character was crucial for his own character’s growth, pushing him towards maturity through new challenges. This narrative arc created substantial tension surrounding themes of relationships and accountability.
Lachie Cladwell
Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, appeared first on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond’s (Alexandra Park) ex-boyfriend. Following multiple breakups, Lachie seeks to reconcile with Claudia, who is involved with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Claudia later announces her pregnancy and initially denies Lachie’s paternity before confessing he is the father. This revelation fuels discord between Geoff and Lachie, culminating in a rugby match where Lachie suffers an injury that threatens paralysis. Although he recovers, Claudia ultimately decides to exclude Lachie from their child’s life and permanently leaves Summer Bay.
The Daily Record observed that Geoff’s restrained anger eventually erupted against Lachie after enduring numerous hardships.
David Gardiner
David "Gardy" Gardiner, portrayed by Jeremy Sims, was introduced on 13 May 2009. The Sydney Morning Herald lauded Sims’ compelling performance, particularly highlighting Gardy’s disturbing manipulation of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby). The Daily Record described Gardy as both charismatic and perilous as an antagonist.
Gardy invades Roman’s household, alarming Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Despite Roman’s recent loss of sight, he recognizes Gardy’s voice and reluctantly permits him to stay. Early tensions include a fight involving Roman, Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry), and John Palmer (Shane Withington). Gardy employs hazardous methods in attempts to restore Roman's vision and coerces him into robbing a liquor store. When an elderly woman suffers a heart attack during the robbery, Roman acts quickly to provide CPR.
After Nicole rejects Gardy’s advances and he threatens to implicate Roman in the robbery, Gardy escalates his criminal behavior by burglarizing the Palmer home and taking Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. Roman intervenes but later covers for Gardy. It is revealed that Gardy has been blackmailing Roman over a wartime incident in Afghanistan where Roman killed a subordinate.
Gardy orchestrates a warehouse robbery in Mangrove River; however, police intervention forces abandonment of the plan. He assaults Roman and threatens Nicole to ensure their compliance. During the heist, Gardy intends to eliminate witnesses but Roman resists and is shot while defending himself. A gunfight ensues involving Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) and Hugo Austin; although Hugo fails to stop Gardy, Roman manages to incapacitate him by shooting him in the leg. Despite his injuries, Gardy escapes into a creek and vanishes from Summer Bay.
May Stone
May Stone, brought to life by Alin Sumarwata, made her debut on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She enters into a romantic relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress portraying Charlie, clarified that Charlie’s behavior was not meant to cause May pain despite the complications it created. The Daily Record remarked that Angelo might have handled the situation with more sensitivity, as May appeared deeply upset following their breakup.
May swiftly becomes part of the community and initiates a romance with Angelo. However, Angelo’s lingering attachment to Charlie results in an affair. When May expresses her desire for commitment, Angelo admits the truth and ends their relationship. Feeling betrayed, May decides to resign from her teaching position and departs from Summer Bay without delay.
Harry Holden
Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by various child actors, was introduced on 30 July 2009. He is the offspring of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty bonding due to Harry’s incessant crying and briefly contemplates harming him before seeking assistance. Tension arises when Jane Avent accuses Rachel of being an unfit mother and abducts Harry, triggering a police search. Eventually, Harry is safely returned to his parents after the truth comes to light. In August 2010, Harry moves with his family to Boston, USA, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before leaving.
Sid Walker
Sid Walker, played by Robert Mammone, first appeared on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest agreement. Due to favorable audience reception, Sid along with Indigo and Dexter were brought back as regular characters in June 2010.
Dexter Walker
Dexter Walker, originally portrayed by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, was recast with Charles Cottier in 2010 when reintroduced. Cottier described his interpretation as distinct from Green's version. A significant plotline involved Dexter’s relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier found both demanding and stimulating because of the considerable age gap between the characters.
Indigo Walker
Indigo Walker, represented by Samara Weaving, first appeared on 30 July 2009. The Walker family—Sid, Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), Dexter, and Indigo—was introduced as a new household unit. They initially left the series in September 2009 but returned in June 2010; Weaving mentioned that balancing acting with her education was easier during this return.
Robert Robertson
Robert Robertson, enacted by Socratis Otto, made his first appearance on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder narrative, Robertson was designed to inject humor into a serious storyline, blending dark elements with lively energy. Walker characterized him as a versatile figure adept at deception to uncover truths, allowing multiple characters to be involved in investigations. Otto drew on his comedic talents and experience in similar roles to shape Robert’s quirky personality. He described this role as "one of the most fantastic" he has undertaken. The Daily Record referred to Robertson as "ruthless," highlighting concerns voiced by characters like Alf Stewart.
Robertson serves as the detective investigating the murder of Grant Bledcoe, who is Ruby Buckton’s biological father. Initially suspecting Ruby's mother Charlie, he later discovers that Charlie's father, Ross, has confessed. Known for his eccentric perspective and storytelling flair, Robertson remains an effective investigator. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker, but she declines to pursue a relationship.
He returns to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham, working alongside Detective Graves. Focusing suspicion on Alf as the main suspect, he applies pressure for confessions and arrests despite lacking conclusive proof. Robertson attempts to revive his romance with Leah; however, she rejects him due to unresolved feelings for her former partner. He coerces Will Smith into implicating Alf, resulting in Alf’s arrest. Nevertheless, Morag Bellingham challenges the evidence; Will is exposed as dishonest, forcing Robertson to release Alf and charge Will instead. Troubled by what he perceives as failure, Robertson confides in Leah about losing his sense of self; she comforts him by reminding him that errors are part of being human. When offered a promotion, he invites Leah and her son to relocate with him to the city, but she declines.
Romeo Smith
Romeo Smith, brought to life by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed this role after moving to Sydney without employment. Romeo is depicted as charming, witty, humorous, and courteous. His family on-screen includes his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). A significant romantic storyline for Romeo follows his relationship with Annie Campbell, notably involving Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).
Others
23–28 April 1–2 June 13 June–13 July 14 July–18 August 14 July–18 August 14 July–26 January 2010 20–21 July 23 July–18 August 29 July-27 November 30 July–17 August 2011 20 August 24 August–8 July 2010 28 August–11 September 28 August–11 September 1–16 September 8 September 15 September–1 March 2012 18–22 September 18 September 30 September 1 October–27 January 2010 3 October–26 January 2010 6–17 November 6–17 November 9–24 November 17–24 November 18–24 November 19–23 November 20 November 25 November–18 February 2010 26 November| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 January | Bank manager | Christopher Saunders | Detects unauthorized attempts by Bridget Simmons to access Leah Patterson-Baker's bank account. |
| 30 January–6 October | Don Gibson | Steve Anderson | Collaborates with Aden on a boat engaged in illicit abalone trade; later arrested and tries to incriminate Aden. |
| 2–6 February | Steve Hogan | Damien Freeglass | Police officer assigned to a brief investigation in Summer Bay. |
| 3 February | Lawyer | Blair Cutting | Legal counsel representing Angelo Rosetta. |
| 4 February–25 January 2010 | Lou De Bono | David Roberts | Dates Irene Roberts; dies at sea resulting in Irene’s temporary detainment. |
| 9–10 February | Archie Maddock | Tim Phillipps | Homeless individual protecting Melody Jones from danger; informs Miles Copeland of her whereabouts. |
| 10 February | Thug | Zen Ledden | Assailant attacking Melody Jones and Archie Maddock. |
| 19 February | Mryll Ramsay | Kim Hillas | Resident initially refuses interview to shield an elderly care facility; eventually persuaded by Melody Jones. |
| 19–25 February | Audrey Long | Wendy Playfair | Melody Jones’ grandmother who suffers a fatal stroke during the storyline. |
| 3–19 March | George | Benjamin O'Donnell | Speed dating participant briefly involved with Leah before she chooses Roman. |
| 9 March–29 July | Brett Collins | Toby Levins | Joey Collins’ older brother; initially disapproves of her sexuality but reconciles after family challenges. |
| 16 March–26 January 2010 | Derrick Quaid | John Atkinson | Shipwreck survivor engaged in illegal human smuggling with Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; arrested following violent incidents. |
| 19 March–13 November | Jerry Thibault | Nicholas Cassim | Belle Taylor’s employer at the newspaper; involved in an affair with Paula Gill causing workplace tension. |
| 19 March | Tanya Gannon | Hayley McCarthy | Robert Cruze’s ex-partner who files a complaint against him; suffers a hit-and-run shortly after arrival. |
| 20 March | Paula Gill | Paula Arundell | Engaged in an affair with Jerry Thibault; bullies Belle Taylor over her pill addiction. |
| 23 March–23 November | Donna De Bono | Suzie MacKenzie | Estranged wife of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou’s death. |
| 23 April | Chelsea Murphy | Georgia Gorman | Liam Murphy’s wife whose relationship deteriorates due to his drug issues, leading to divorce and moving to Paris with their son Ash. |
| ' Ash Murphy | ' Dusty Piper' | ' Son of Liam and Chelsea Murphy.' | |
| ' Jenena Palmer | ' Anna Lise Phillips' | ' Trey Palmer’s mother and John’s wife.' | |
| ' Clint Mailer | ' Matt Zeremes' | ' Rugby coach pressuring Aden Jefferies to undermine Geoff Campbell’s career.' | |
| ' Jane Avent | ' Felicity Price' | ' Grieving mother blaming Rachel Armstrong for her stillborn child, leading to harassment and kidnapping.' | |
| ' Rex Avent | ' Sandy Winton' | ' Jane Avent’s husband who initially supports but later acknowledges his wife’s need for assistance.' | |
| ' Wayan Rahardjo | ' Dorje Swallow' | ' Hospital patient who does not speak English, connected to Hugo Austin’s criminal dealings.' | |
| ' Paul | ' Thomas Norrie' | ' Minor role as an extra.' | |
| ' Squirt | ' Ben Davy-Thorburn' | ' Aden Jefferies’ friend and colleague.' | |
| ' Marine Officer Bryant | ' Michael Sutherland' | ' Water police officer working with Angelo Rosetta on human smuggling cases.' | |
| ' Jody Walker | ' Victoria Haralabidou' | ' Sid Walker’s wife attempting reconciliation before final separation after infidelity.' | |
| ' Michelle | ' Michelle Pettigrove' | ' Charlie Buckton’s aunt who reveals family adoption secrets.' | |
| ' Therese | ' Rose Ashton' | ' Nurse involved in workplace disputes with Sid Walker and Nicole Franklin.' | |
| ' Andy McLeod | ' Paul Winchester' | ' Provides parenting advice to Rachel; friendship causes concern for her husband Tony.' | |
| ' Sophia McLeod | ' Madeline Andrews' | ' Andy McLeod’s daughter diagnosed by Rachel with a hearing impairment.' | |
| ' Grant Bledcoe | ' Clayton Watson' | ' Ruby’s biological father accused of rape; later found dead under suspicious conditions.' | |
| ' Tracey Bledcoe | ' Mary Anne Byrne' | ' Wife of Grant Bledcoe, shocked by allegations against him.' | |
| ' Patrick Avery | ' Clayton Williams' | ' Police constable involved in multiple cases including bailing Sid Walker on assault charges.' | |
| ' Ruby Leeds | ' Tracie Sammmut' | ' Brendan’s girlfriend advocating for his independence.' | |
| ' Pheobe | ' Alisha Burton' | ' Brief acquaintance of Jai Fernandez.' | |
| ' Jim | ' Mark Richardson' | ' Hotel manager appearing briefly.' | |
| ' Bambang Rahardjo | ' Joft Prastowo' | " Wayan Rahardjo’s son assisting Martha on the farm; used as bait during human trafficking investigation." | |
| " Suzy Sudiro | " Tasneem Roc" | " Hugo Austin's ex-wife involved in people smuggling; kidnaps Martha MacKenzie demanding ransom before being subdued." | |
| " Riley Radcliffe | " Tani Edgecombe" | " School bully targeting VJ Patterson; his father Ian conceals assaults until revealed." | |
| " Ian Radcliffe | " Ben Simpson" | " Father of Riley Radcliffe who abuses his son and attempts bribery before police uncover the truth." | |
| " Poppie Merrin | " Elouise Blair" | " Manipulative girl falsely accusing Liam Murphy of sleeping with her, contributing to his drug possession arrest." | |
| " Reg Merrin | " Dane Carson" | " Manager of The Sands who employs Aden Jefferies but fires him following a formal incident involving his daughter Catie." | |
| " Catie Merrin | " Tess Haubrich" | " Reg Merrin's daughter known for stalking behavior causing conflict at a formal event." | |
| " Orson Cardillo | " Mark Lee" | " Longtime gardener for Donna De Bono involved in a mysterious gun-planting incident." | |
| " Bonita Cardillo | " Suzi Dougherty" | " Orson Cardillo’s wife defending him during investigation." | |
| " Hazem Kassir | " Ben Kermode" | " Dates Leah Patterson-Baker; suffers racially motivated attack resulting in paralysis and relocation." | |
| " Prison Guard | " Joe Tarena" | " On duty during Derrick Quaid's prison escape." |