Nina Olivera
| 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 section outlines characters introduced during 1989, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season started airing on 23 January 1989. New characters introduced throughout the year include Martha Stewart in January, schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February, Rebecca Fisher in April, Marilyn Chambers (played by Emily Symons) in May, the birth of Duncan Stewart in June, Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) later that month, Viv Newton (Mouche Phillips) in July, and Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue) in September.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart made her initial appearance from 25 January to 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. She was introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). The character was reintroduced on 27 March 2018 with Belinda Giblin taking over the role; Giblin had previously appeared on the series as Cynthia Ross in 1991. It is reported that Meagher recommended Giblin for Martha’s return. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.
Reintroduced as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, Martha was revealed to be alive after having been presumed drowned following a sailing accident in 1985. Alf explains to their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha left because she was dissatisfied with her life. Martha later returns to Summer Bay, prompting a complicated reunion with both Alf and Roo. She reveals that she suffers from borderline personality disorder (BPD), which played a significant role in her earlier disappearance and ongoing struggles with anxiety.
Martha was previously married to Alf Stewart and is mother to their daughter Ruth "Roo" Stewart (originally portrayed by Justine Clarke). Her backstory includes knowledge about Bobby Simpson’s biological parents, information uncovered through diary entries.
Upon resurfacing decades later, Martha reconnects with Roo and Alf but initially faces challenges due to her mental health condition. Alf and Martha rekindle their relationship, culminating in Alf proposing marriage once again following a tragic incident involving other characters. They marry and split their time between Summer Bay and Martha’s studio residence in Merimbula, which serves as a sanctuary where she manages her BPD.
Martha’s storyline also introduces her son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), whom she contacts and later presents to Alf and Roo. This development adds complexity to family relationships while reinforcing Martha’s enduring connection to Summer Bay.
At present, Martha primarily resides in Merimbula but frequently visits Alf in Summer Bay.
Vicki Baxter
Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, first appeared on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured on the show as headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Although Coburn initially disliked portraying Vicki, she eventually enjoyed playing the antagonist role. She appeared semi-regularly until filming her final scenes in June 1990, appreciating the consistent work and learning opportunities—particularly enjoying a fight scene with Dannii Minogue.
Vicki was an antagonist within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High School, frequently bullying classmates such as Carly Morris and Viv Newton and often clashing with Emma Jackson. After teacher Grant Mitchell rejected her advances, Vicki falsely accused him of sexual misconduct, resulting in his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, leading to Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, which caused Emma’s expulsion. With assistance from her cousin Anna, Steven and Paul Jensen uncovered Vicki’s deceptive actions. Faced with this evidence, Vicki was expelled from school.
Rebecca Fisher
Rebecca Fisher was originally portrayed by Jane Hall starting on 3 April 1989. She was introduced as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher and a romantic interest for Steven Matheson. The producers recognized the compelling dynamic between Hall and Adam Willits, prompting considerations for occasional character returns. In 1994, the role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period before Belinda Emmett took over the character in 1996. Emmett's performance led to multiple Logie Award nominations, including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998, 1999), and the prestigious Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.
Marilyn Chambers
Marilyn Chambers, brought to life by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but made a comeback from 1995 until 1999. Although Dannii Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn’s role, she was instead cast as Emma Jackson, with Symons securing the part of Marilyn. The character has been described by Holy Soap as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."
Duncan Stewart
Duncan Stewart made his debut 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, portrayed by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on 28 June 1989. Having previously guest-starred on rival soap Neighbours, Stevenson viewed this role as a chance to develop a more grounded persona. Relocating from Melbourne to Sydney for filming, he remained with the series until 1994. Adam is characterized as a "layabout" who favors relaxation over responsibility but is capable of kindness. Stevenson appreciated the role despite its contrast with his real-life personality. An Inside Soap columnist described Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 and contemplated a full-time return due to his positive experience.
Viv Newton
Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and exited the show on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after Justine Clarke’s departure. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned her preference for staying active on set, often leading to others searching for her due to her unpredictable location.
Emma Jackson
Emma Jackson, enacted by Dannii Minogue, appeared from 22 September 1989 until 22 August 1990. Although Minogue initially auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers, she was cast as Emma instead. After one year, she left to focus on her music career. Despite rumors in 2007 about her returning for the show’s 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reprise the role. Minogue garnered a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards for this part and was recognized by Holy Soap as one of Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."
Others
26 October–15 November||Rory Heywood || Gregor Jordan || Visitor searching for Fletcher family under false pretenses; irritates locals before being killed by shark attack prompting shark hunt led by Zac Burgess.| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 January | Les Palmer | Graham Lancaster | Celia Stewart’s late fiancé featured in flashbacks set in 1970; he planned to marry Celia but died during the Vietnam War. |
| 26 January–16 March | Nicholas Walsh | Robert Taylor | Engaged to Stacey Macklin during his visit to Summer Bay; attempts to acquire the caravan park, frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters, assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher. |
| 1 February–5 September | Kim Patterson | Jacqui Townsend | Alison Patterson’s younger sister attending Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham's memoir draft and engages in discussions about local folklore with Sally Fletcher. |
| 13 February–20 March | Richard Bellingham | John Bonney | Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades; their relationship ends following revelations about Morag’s maternity secret; warns Roo Stewart against Morag before departing. |
| 20 February–21 November | James Donahue | Richard Morgan | Journalist probing Morag’s maternity secret; manipulates Celia Stewart for information and convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting. |
| 22 February–5 April | Leanne Dunn | Kylie Foster | Dates Martin Dibble but struggles with illiteracy; after conflicts involving Martin and her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe, she leaves town with Meat Axe, leaving Martin heartbroken. |
| 1 March–12 November | Enid | Jan Oxenbould | Friend to Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting concerning a killer shark near the beach. |
| 8 March | Nola Dibble | Denise Roberts | Martin Dibble’s mother who meets Leanne Dunn during a family dinner arranged to discourage Leanne's relationship with Martin. |
| 8 March | Scott Dibble / Errol Dibble | Uncredited | Brothers of Martin Dibble who appear at a family gathering alongside parents Ern and Nola Dibble. |
| 21 March–24 May | Nigel Taggart | Gary Down | Former assistant to Morag Bellingham; assists at the Blaxland mansion, befriends Celia Stewart, resigns seeking independence. |
| 28 March | Ross Maybury | John Banas | Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson regarding Donald’s son Alan's novel and Morag's maternity revelation. |
| 4–5 April | Meat Axe | Joseph Dicker | Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble over Leanne; assaults Martin but Leanne departs with Meat Axe. |
| 18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995 |
Brian "Dodge" Forbes | Kelly Dingwall | Troublemaker involved in thefts and arson causing Philip Matheson's death; becomes foster child of the Fletchers; bullies Sally Fletcher; frames Simon Yates for arson before confessing leading to arrest; paroled in 1995 then commits murder, frames Steven Matheson, kidnaps Kelly Watson, and disappears after cliff confrontation. |
| 20 April–16 May | Simon Yates | Christopher Saunders | Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner; dates Roo Stewart; harassed by Steven Matheson under suspicion of arson involvement; ultimately flees town after false accusations. |
| 2–9 May | Andrew Foley Senior | Alan Tobin | Estranged father attempting reconciliation with Andrew Foley; rejected; leaves Andrew money and an apology upon death. |
| 10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990 | Howard West | Richard Rowe | Childcare Services official overseeing Dodge Forbes’ foster placement and investigating abuse allegations against John Newton; involved in guardianship matters relating to Viv Newton. |
| 11 May | Peter Braithwaite | Ron Blanchard | Insurance assessor skeptical of Celia Stewart’s claim following store fire incident. |
| 18–29 May | Kyoko Sakamoto | Yuka Mitani | Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business. |
| 2–8 June | Peter Bedford | Bevan Wilson | Investor in Macklin development project; initially hesitant about signing contract due to concerns about Frank Morgan but persuaded 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 employed by Macklin corporation; involved in strike resolution led by Roo Stewart; assists rescue efforts involving Marilyn Chambers. |
| 13 June | Jay Everett | Andrew Doyle | Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to inspire Roo Stewart during family 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; departs for Los Angeles after promotion opportunity arises. |
| 11 July | Beulah | Robyn Gurney | Homeless woman who supports Viv Newton during her time living on the streets. |
| 19 July | Sgt. Col Baker | Simon Westaway | Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes responsibility instead. |
| 21 July–1 August | John Newton | John Gregg | Reverend and father of Viv Newton who abuses his daughters leading to intervention by authorities and loss of custody. |
| 27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990 | Tammy Newton | Katy Edwards | Younger sister of Viv Newton used by their father John to manipulate Viv; later reunites with mother Angela Newton and relocates to Queensland. |
| 9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990 | Rex Wilson | Barry Donnelly | Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; secures Matt a position as beach inspector before resigning due to heart attack. |
| 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; Sally opts to remain with Fletchers; Ross leaves town accompanied by wife Louise. |
| 23–31 August | Louise Keating | Felicity Soper | Ross Keating’s wife unable to have children due to ovarian cancer treatment; supports Sally's decision to stay with Fletchers despite personal disappointment. |
| 29 August 1989, 23 March 1990 |
Len Baxter | Uncredited / Damian Cudmore | Father of Vicki Baxter who reacts angrily when Vicki accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of misconduct, later discovers accusation was unfounded. |
| 29 August–10 November | Danny Farnsworth | Justin Connor | Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father; works as her assistant while plotting against her; holds Morag hostage before fleeing town despite Bobby Simpson declining his offer to leave together. |
| 30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996 | Chris Hale | John Meillon Jr. | Police constable involved in various investigations including arrests of local youths; promoted to sergeant; inadvertently causes Shane Parrish's fatal accident leading to suspension after admitting fault. |
| 11 September | Doctor Ellis | Marilyn Allen | Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher’s transfer following heart attack incident. |
| 11 September | Doctor Williamson | David Whitford | Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma condition. |
| 18–21 September | Ian McTavish | Noel Trevarthen | Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; leaves after discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble disguised in costume. |
| 20 September | Samantha Walker | Fiona Shannon | Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart that niece Emma Jackson wishes to live with her, revealing family estrangement issues. |
| 11–12 October | Millicent Staples | Julie Haseler | Wealthy young woman who books charter cruise with Adam Cameron but strands him on an island by departing without him after deceiving associates. |
| 11 October | Henry Whiting | Patrick Ward | Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after initial offer from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble is declined. |
| 25 October | Sylvia Wilson | Marie Armstrong | Rex Wilson’s wife and Matt Wilson’s aunt present during council debates over hot dog stand closures. |
|- 30 October–2 November|| Mick || Bruce Samazan || Friend of Andrew Foley staying temporarily with him and Stacey Macklin; drug addict causing disturbances before abruptly leaving town. |} |- 31 October || Chas || Richard Huggett || Pool player hustled by Mick at The Corner Pocket pool hall; warns friends Lance Smart and Martin Dibble about Mick's skills before Martin challenges Mick himself. |} |- 17 November||| Rosemary White ||| Zoe Bertram||| Sister of Rory Heywood revealing his true identity as Colin following his death.
|} |- 21 November 1989–22 January 1990||| 'Zac Burgess '||| Mark Conroy||| Shark hunter demanding high fees for capture efforts following Rory Heywood's death. Exposes illegal dumping attracting sharks, makes unwanted advances toward Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher causing marital strain before being confronted and leaving town.
|} |- 12 December||| 'Drew Howard '||| Ignatius Jones||| Producer on Marilyn Chambers' game show "Cheap Shots"; attempts public humiliation of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but ends up embarrassed himself.
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