Nola Dibble

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. She appeared as Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) first spouse through flashback sequences. The character made a comeback on 27 March 2018, this time played by Belinda Giblin, who had previously been featured in the series in 1991. 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.

Revived for the program’s 30th anniversary, it was unveiled that Martha had survived a sailing accident in 1985, contrary to prior assumptions of her drowning. Alf reveals to their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha’s disappearance was motivated by personal unhappiness rather than death. Eventually, Martha returns to Summer Bay, reuniting with both Alf and Roo. She confides that she suffers from borderline personality disorder (BPD), which contributed to her anxiety and initial absence.

Martha’s history includes her marriage to Alf Stewart and motherhood to Roo Stewart. Early plotlines featured flashbacks and diary excerpts that exposed her awareness of Bobby Simpson's true parentage. Years later, after Alf undergoes a near-fatal incident, he discloses Martha’s survival, prompting her return. Struggling with her condition and feelings of guilt, Martha pursues treatment but initially distances herself from Roo and Alf.

After some time away, Martha renews her relationship with Alf, leading to a romantic reconciliation. She creates a portrait of Alf, and they mutually decide to explore their renewed connection. Although Martha’s anxiety linked to BPD creates challenges, it gradually improves with support. She relocates back to Summer Bay, where she faces initial difficulties but engages with local mental health resources.

Following a tragic event, Alf proposes marriage once more; Martha hesitates at first but eventually agrees. They wed and briefly leave the Bay before coming back. Martha maintains a residence and art studio in Merimbula, which occasionally causes friction with Alf, who wishes she would sell the property. She regards Merimbula as a refuge essential for managing her BPD.

Martha is later contacted by her son Kieran Baldivis, whom she discusses confidentially with Irene Roberts. She visits Kieran in Merimbula and subsequently reveals his existence to Alf and Roo, explaining their strained relationship due to his prolonged absence. Kieran eventually arrives in Summer Bay.

While continuing to live in Merimbula, Martha is frequently visited by Alf as they manage their relationship across both locations.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, brought to life by Nana Coburn, made her debut on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also appeared on the show portraying headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay’s resident trouble-maker." Initially hesitant about playing a character who was unpopular, Coburn grew to appreciate the role and appeared semi-regularly until completing filming in June 1990. She recalled a notable fight scene with Dannii Minogue during her final days on set.

Within Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, Vicki acted as an antagonist known for bullying peers such as Carly Morris, Viv Newton, and Emma Jackson. After unsuccessfully attempting to win over teacher Grant Mitchell, she falsely accused him of sexual harassment, causing 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 Vicki’s manipulations, ultimately leading to Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of the school principal Donald Fisher. While visiting Summer Bay, she developed a romantic connection with Steven Matheson. The producers valued the on-screen chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated occasional returns for the character. In 1994, the role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period, and later brought back in 1996 with Belinda Emmett. Emmett’s interpretation garnered several 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, enacted by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but returned to the role between 1995 and 1999. Although Dannii Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn, she 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," contributing to her charm.

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989, portrayed by Brendan McKensy, whose performance earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, played by Mat Stevenson, entered the series on 28 June 1989. Stevenson had previously appeared in a guest role on rival soap Neighbours as a petty criminal. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this part and exited the show in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout" who occasionally displays kindness but generally prioritizes leisure over responsibility. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999, noting minimal changes in the character and expressing interest in resuming a full-time role.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, first appeared on 5 July 1989 before departing on 25 May 1990. Phillips started filming soon after Justine Clarke's exit from the show. In an interview, she mentioned her preference for remaining active on set, frequently moving between locations, which sometimes caused others to search for her.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, debuted on 22 September 1989 and left the series on 22 August 1990. Although Minogue initially auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers, she was ultimately cast as Emma. After one year, she left to concentrate on her music career. Despite rumors about a return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reprise her role. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards for this performance. Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

31 October || Chas, pool hall acquaintance of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble hustled by Mick during pool games leading Martin into risky bets.| Richard Huggett || Friend playing pool at The Corner Pocket warning Lance and Martin about Mick's hustling skills after losing money himself.|

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les appears in flashbacks from 1970 as Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé; their engagement celebration ends tragically when Les is later killed during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas arrives in Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin and conspires with her father to purchase the caravan park. His manipulative actions include framing Roo Stewart and attacking Stacey before being stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, Alison Patterson’s sister, attends Summer Bay Primary School and uncovers Morag Bellingham's memoirs, leading to disputes with Sally Fletcher about local folklore.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades separates from her following revelations about her secret maternity; he advises Roo Stewart to avoid Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	A journalist from The Daily Star who investigates Morag’s past and manipulates Lance Smart into fabricating a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble who attempts to end their relationship; illiterate at first, she learns to read with Matt Wilson’s assistance but ultimately leaves Martin for her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Enid is a friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting regarding a dangerous shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Mother of Martin Dibble who appears when he introduces Leanne Dunn to his family.
8 March	Scott Dibble / Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Brothers of Martin Dibble attend a family gathering along with their parents Ern and Nola.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former personal assistant to Morag Bellingham who mediates conflicts and befriends Celia Stewart before resigning to assert his independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host where Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discuss Alan Fisher's novel; questions Bobby regarding Morag’s maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Ex-boyfriend of Leanne Dunn who challenges Martin Dibble to a fight, defeating him before Leanne intervenes and leaves with Meat Axe.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge engages in schemes for free food and theft culminating in arson causing Philip Matheson's death; fostered by the Fletchers, he bullies Sally Fletcher and frames Simon Yates before confessing and serving time for murder; paroled in 1995, he commits further crimes including murder and frames Steven Matheson before vanishing after a cliffside confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Works at Bayside diner despite criminal history; dates Roo Stewart but faces hostility from Steven Matheson; framed for arson before fleeing town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father seeking reconciliation with son Andrew Foley before passing away, leaving an inheritance accompanied by apologies.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Department of Childcare Services official responsible for placing Brian "Dodge" Forbes with the Fletchers and investigating abuse allegations against John Newton, temporarily removing Viv Newton from paternal custody.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor skeptical of Celia Stewart's claim following store fire; investigates request for double compensation.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business in Summer Bay.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor in Macklin development initially reluctant to sign contract due to concerns about Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of Peter Bedford; accompanies him to dinner with Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Laborer employed by Macklin corporation involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart's mediation; assists in efforts to gain Andrew Foley's attention.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin office; positively 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; departs for Los Angeles after conflicts over control, inviting Stacey to join later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman aiding Viv Newton during her period living on streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police sergeant questioning Brian "Dodge" Forbes regarding stolen car accident; Steven Matheson initially takes blame.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv Newton; confines Viv in cupboard and contests custody battles over his daughters before relinquishing custody following social services intervention.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton manipulated by their father John; escapes abuse and reunites with mother Angela Newton, relocating with Viv to Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle employed by local council; secures beach inspector position for Matt but resigns due to health issues.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Sally Keating’s estranged uncle seeking custody but departs after Sally opts to remain with Fletchers.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating and Sally’s aunt; unable to have children due to cancer treatment; supports Sally's decision to stay with Fletchers before leaving town.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter who demands removal of teacher Grant Mitchell following sexual misconduct allegations later disproven.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking vengeance against Morag Bellingham for his father's suicide; infiltrates Morag's life under false pretenses, terrorizes her, holds her hostage before fleeing after intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in various cases including arrests of key characters; promoted sergeant; responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death; confesses under guilt leading to suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician coordinating Tom Fletcher’s transfer following heart attack complications.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; leaves after discovering it does not exist and encountering Martin Dibble disguised as creature.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her amidst family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy client booking Adam Cameron for charter cruise; deceives him by abandoning him on remote island after gaining trust.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart following interest from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble in purchasing it.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Wife of Rex Wilson and aunt of Matt Wilson seen during council disputes involving local businesses.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Man seeking Fletcher family due to paternal connection causing tension before being killed by shark; triggers shark hunting efforts in Summer Bay.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley and Stacey Macklin struggling with drug addiction whose erratic behavior causes conflict prior to departure from town.

External links

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