Phillip McCarthy

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section outlines characters introduced during 2016, listed according to their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 29th season commenced broadcasting on 1 February 2016. The character Dylan Carter was introduced in the season opener. In March, Isla Schultz and Lindsay Ford made their debuts. May saw the arrival of Mick Jennings and Tori Morgan, with her brothers – Brody, Justin, and Mason Morgan – following in June. Tabitha Ford appeared in July, while September introduced siblings Hope Morrison and Raffy Morrison. November's additions included Jeannie Woods, and in December, Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert was introduced.

Dylan Carter

Dylan Carter, played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, made his debut on 1 February 2016. Taylor characterized Dylan as a multifaceted detective connected to Summer Bay. He returned to the role in 2017 and appeared again for guest engagements in both September 2017 and September 2019.

Dylan spearheads the inquiry into the murder of Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz), collaborating with former partner Katarina Chapman (Pia Miller) and Mike Emerson (Cameron Stewart). Despite their past relationship, Kat consents to Dylan’s participation. Their investigation involves interrogating principal suspects such as Martin Ashford (George Mason), Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen), and Hunter King (Scott Lee). Dylan’s forceful methods generate friction, but Kat manages to establish an alibi that exonerates Ashford.

Based on video evidence, Dylan formally accuses Zac of murder but faces opposition from Zac’s attorney Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), who uncovers Dylan’s unethical conduct involving judicial coercion aimed at preventing Zac’s bail. This misconduct results in Dylan’s suspension. Subsequently, he assaults Ashford and takes Kat, Ash, and Billie hostage before law enforcement intervenes.

In 2017, new findings connect Dylan to an abandoned vessel linked to Robbo, who suffers from amnesia. Robbo recalls a violent encounter with Dylan, who survived despite presumed dead status. Dylan reemerges as the orchestrator behind Robbo’s abduction, denying involvement in the deaths of Robbo’s family members. After a confrontation involving Victor (Patrick Thompson), leader of the criminal Ouroboros syndicate, both men are apprehended by federal agents. Several weeks later, reports confirm Dylan’s death while incarcerated.

Isla Schultz

Isla Schultz, played by singer Samantha Jade, made her first appearance on 3 March 2016. The announcement of Jade's casting came on 5 September 2015, with her expressing enthusiasm about broadening her acting portfolio. Filming commenced soon after, and her involvement concluded in November 2016.

Arriving in Summer Bay with a complicated history and initially harboring "questionable motives," Isla is described by Jade as "somewhat mischievous − a bit of a troublemaker" who associates with dubious individuals but ultimately has good intentions. She develops a romantic relationship with Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway).

Her plotline centers on recovering a debt for Dave Rogers (Yure Covich), which leads to perilous incidents including abduction and a dramatic getaway. Isla’s former partner, Harry Kingswood (Wayne Bradley), brings their daughters for a visit, adding complexity to her personal affairs. Upon learning that Harry intends to relocate interstate, Isla attempts to rob the Reefton Lakes golf club but is intercepted by Kyle, who assumes responsibility for the crime to shield her.

Kyle receives a thirteen-year prison sentence, prompting Isla to pledge that his sacrifice will not be in vain, underscoring her determination to rebuild her life and care for her daughters.

Lindsay Ford

Lindsay Ford, portrayed by Georgia Flood, first appeared on 17 March 2016. Flood was cast in October 2015 and described Lindsay as an "exceptionally cool" character. She enjoyed playing the guest role and expressed interest in returning.

Lindsay tries to reconnect with Hunter King (Scott Lee), who initially rebuffs her. She visits the caravan park, reveals she supported Hunter after his departure from Summer Bay, and intends to stay for a short period. Lindsay complicates Hunter’s relationship with his girlfriend Olivia (Raechelle Banno) by confessing to having kissed Hunter and later suggesting there was more. Following Olivia’s decision to end their relationship, Lindsay organizes a party and manipulates events to drive a wedge between them. When Hunter rejects her romantic advances, Lindsay steals Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) ute, causing Hunter to get injured while trying to intervene. After the accident, Lindsay flees but receives a warning from Olivia to leave town or face police charges.

Mick Jennings

Mick Jennings, brought to life by Kristian Schmid, debuted on 5 May 2016 as the long-lost son of established character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Irene had previously disclosed that she gave up a child for adoption following a rape when she was just 14. Mick was also unveiled as the perpetrator of sexual assault against Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), framing him as a "disturbed" antagonist.

Mick arrives under deceptive pretenses, posing as Chris Harrington's uncle. He kidnaps Irene in an attempt to gain acknowledgment but is eventually apprehended after a police chase assisted by Olivia Fraser Richards. A DNA test confirms he is indeed Irene’s son. Upon release from psychiatric care, Mick tries to reconnect with Irene but faces rejection and legal repercussions for violating an AVO. He later abducts Billie’s infant daughter, Luc Patterson, before surrendering himself to authorities.

Despite being granted parole and attempts at reintegration, Mick encounters hostility from the community along with personal difficulties such as assaults and custody disputes over Luc. Irene arranges employment for him in Western Australia’s mining industry; although initially resistant, he ultimately accepts following ongoing conflicts in Summer Bay. Mick’s storyline explores intricate family relationships, legal struggles, and rehabilitation within the context of character-driven drama on the show.

Tori Morgan

Tori Morgan, portrayed by Penny McNamee, made her first appearance on 5 May 2016. The announcement of both the character and casting occurred on 22 November 2015. McNamee referred to the role as her "dream job" and commenced filming in early November, expressing gratitude for the support from co-star Georgie Parker. Tori is introduced as a physician seeking a new beginning in Summer Bay, carrying "hidden secrets." She arrives ahead of her three brothers to evaluate the safety of their potential move.

Brody Morgan

Brody Morgan, played by Jackson Heywood, debuted on 7 June 2016. Heywood, who had a previous guest role on the series in 2009, was cast alongside James Stewart and Orpheus Pledger as Brody’s siblings, with casting details revealed on 5 December 2015. Filming started in early December. Heywood anticipated viewers might compare the Morgans to the Braxton brothers but emphasized their unique family dynamic. Brody is characterized as an ambitious chef.

Justin Morgan

Justin Morgan, enacted by James Stewart, appeared first on 7 June 2016. His casting, along with that of Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger who portray his brothers, was disclosed on 5 December 2015. Production began during the week of 7 December. This role marked Stewart’s return to a regular television part following a year-long break to care for his daughter. Stewart highlighted that the focus was on establishing a fresh family unit rather than competing with past popular characters, stating, "Building this family is probably more our focus than taking over the Brax boys." In August 2017, he earned a longlist nomination for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards but did not advance to the viewer-voted shortlist.

Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan, portrayed by Orpheus Pledger, also first appeared on 7 June 2016. His casting was announced along with his on-screen brothers in December 2015, with filming commencing shortly thereafter. Pledger relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this opportunity. He described Mason as an optimistic individual with strong principles. The character is depicted as a medical student managing academic responsibilities alongside maintaining physical fitness and social engagements.

Tabitha Ford

Tabitha Ford, played by Eliza Scanlen, featured as a recurring student character from 21 July until 27 September 2016. Known for her manipulative tendencies, Tabitha was portrayed as a disruptive presence at Summer Bay High School, particularly targeting fellow student Olivia Fraser Richards. Her storyline involved deceitful actions such as identity theft and blackmail, ultimately leading to her exit to boarding school. Tabitha’s narrative explored themes of rivalry and psychological manipulation among youth, contributing complex character interactions that enhanced audience engagement and story progression.

Hope Morrison

Hope Morrison, enacted by Jessica Falkholt, was introduced on 19 September 2016 in a recurring capacity. Hope works as a waitress and is established as Raffy Morrison’s cousin and Atticus Decker’s niece.

Following a confrontational incident with Justin Morgan, Hope discovers that her uncle Decker was deliberately involved in a car accident. Spike Lowe attempts to abduct both Hope and Raffy; while Raffy is rescued, Hope is taken hostage. Spike impersonates Hope’s husband to gain access to Decker in hospital and nearly administers a fatal injection before authorities intervene. Subsequently, Hope and Raffy move into the home of Kat Chapman and Phoebe Nicholson.

Hope’s conduct creates tension—she wears Phoebe’s clothing without permission, consumes her food, and damages John Palmer’s phone, demanding reimbursement which he refuses. Justin Morgan offers her part-time employment at his garage; however, she steals customers’ credit card information there and is arrested for fraud when caught.

After release, Hope learns that Raffy is Decker’s daughter and thus her half-sister. Attempting to escape with Raffy by stealing Mason’s car, Hope suffers a liver injury from a fall and receives treatment from Nate Cooper prior to surgery. During recovery, she advises Raffy to be wary of trusting the Morgans but later reveals their familial connection. The cousins plan to leave Summer Bay together; however, Hope steals money from Salt café and is apprehended by Kat.

While held in remand and struggling with solitary confinement, Hope is prescribed diazepam by Nate but overdoses on stolen sleeping pills, resulting in hospitalization. She apologizes to Phoebe and entrusts her with caring for Raffy. Upon discharge, Hope says goodbye to Raffy before returning to prison, encouraging trust in the Morgans and asking Justin to look after her cousin. A year later, Hope sends Raffy a handmade birthday card.

Raffy Morrison

Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016. Deeble moved from Melbourne to Sydney to film the role and was contracted for three years. She decided against renewing her contract, with her final scenes broadcast on 12 September 2019.

Raffy enters the storyline amid familial tensions involving her half-siblings, the Morgans, after uncovering the truth about her parentage—her mother being Kate Lee and her father Atticus Decker. Initially, she grapples with this discovery and the legal issues surrounding her sister Hope. Raffy then takes up residence at the Farmhouse alongside several other characters. She enrolls at Summer Bay High, where she builds significant friendships and faces various challenges, including bullying and family difficulties.

As Brody Morgan's struggle with drug addiction intensifies, Raffy temporarily moves in with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers but eventually returns to live with the Morgans. She forms strong bonds with friends such as Coco Astoni and Ryder Jackson, experiencing both support and conflict. Raffy endures traumatic incidents, including an attempted abduction and finding a deceased individual alongside Ryder, which contributes to ongoing emotional distress.

Her narrative features a complicated romantic involvement with Ty Anderson that ends when he reveals his homosexuality. Subsequently, Raffy starts dating Ryder; however, their relationship dissolves due to conflicting schedules. She confronts health issues after being diagnosed with epilepsy, receiving support from her brothers throughout her treatment.

Raffy's storyline concludes as she accepts an opportunity to participate in a medical trial in Victoria, encouraged by her family and friends. She departs Summer Bay after leaving a farewell note addressed to John and Marilyn.

Jeannie Woods

Jeannie Woods, portrayed by Anna Bamford, first appeared on 1 November 2016 and remained on screen for approximately six weeks. Introduced as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), Jeannie arrives in Summer Bay following an invitation from Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast) to attend a volleyball game at the local youth centre. Bamford described Jeannie and Brody’s relationship as "unconventional," noting that she developed a strong working relationship with Heywood during production.

Jeannie assists Brody in retrieving dropped barbecue items and signs up for a charity volleyball match, initially partnering with Matt Page (Alec Snow). Brody offers Evelyn $1000 to play the final game alongside Jeannie. After a misunderstanding involving a bracelet, Jeannie briefly disappears but returns later for an interview at Brody's restaurant. Despite a poor interview performance, Brody hires her; they share flirtatious moments during her training. Following a brief incident where Jeannie pushes Brody away after he attempts to kiss her, she apologizes and decides to resign. However, Brody later invites her back to the job, which she accepts, and they begin dating.

Jeannie confides in Brody that her parents have disowned her. Her father, Randall (Paul Ceaser), arrives searching for her. She explains that her parents are doomsday preppers. Jeannie and Brody agree to keep their relationship secret, but Randall discovers them kissing at work. After Brody insults Randall’s beliefs and subsequently apologizes, they try to rebuild their relationship but ultimately break up following another disagreement over doomsday prepping. Jeannie leaves the restaurant to accept employment in Yabbie Creek.

Ava Gilbert

Ava Gilbert made her debut on 8 December 2016 as Justin Morgan's (James Stewart) daughter. Initially played by Grace Thomas and later by Alice Roberts, the role was recast with Annabel Wolfe in February 2023 to accommodate more mature plotlines reflecting Ava’s teenage years. Ava reappears unexpectedly to visit Justin, expressing admiration for his apprentice Theo Poulos (Matt Evans). Wolfe highlighted that the storyline delves into intricate father-daughter relationships and the difficulties they face as their bond evolves. Ava’s defiant attitude creates friction, particularly when Justin discovers she has been chatting online with a boy, sparking conflict that results in her leaving for the Bay. The character is slated to return for Justin’s wedding to Leah in April 2024.

Ava’s initial introduction involved a serendipitous moment when she returned Justin’s cap and revealed her identity upon entering Nina Gilbert’s (Zoe Naylor) home. Upon arriving at Justin’s residence, Ava confirms their father-daughter relationship and quickly forms connections with his fiancée Phoebe Nicholson and sister Raffy Morrison. Her stepfather Brian Gilbert (Tom O'Sullivan) picks her up but soon clashes with Justin, prompting Ava to run away and suffer a car accident. Brian later grants Justin visitation rights. While Nina and Brian are away, Ava stays with Justin and befriends Scarlett Snow (Tania Nolan). On a subsequent visit, she meets Justin’s girlfriend Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts) but is kidnapped by Boyd Easton (Steve Le Marquand), only to be rescued by Justin and Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin). After Justin and Willow break up, Nina limits Ava’s contact with him.

When Ava returns to live with Justin, she initially resents his new partner Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou), but they eventually bond through shared interests such as football. Following Nina and Brian’s separation, Nina entrusts Justin with Ava’s care; he negotiates visitation arrangements with Brian. During family health emergencies, including Tori Morgan’s hospitalization, Justin takes Ava on trips before returning her to Nina. Later, upon discovering he has a spinal tumour requiring surgery, Justin shares meaningful moments with Ava before sending her back to the city, preparing for uncertain outcomes.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
11 February	Louisa O'Brien	Claudia Cranstoun	Louisa invites Josh Barrett to spend time with her and fellow HSC students. While Josh cares for Casey Braxton, Louisa, Glen Day, and Adriana Kerr visit his home. Louisa disables the baby monitor to have privacy with Josh.
	Glen Day	Logan Stevenson	Glen spends the afternoon with Adriana alongside Louisa and Josh before leaving for work. Louisa encourages Adriana to follow Glen so she can be alone with Josh.
	Adriana Kerr	Hana Lee Woodbridge
	Psych Nurse	Angie Diaz	The Psych Nurse facilitates Skye Peters’ visit to her mother Carol and informs Skye that Carol can hear her despite her condition.
18 February	Destiny Starr	Lara Schwerdt	Destiny goes on a first date with Chris Harrington at the diner. When Chris talks about his ex-girlfriend, Destiny realizes he is not over the past relationship and leaves.
25 February	Coach McKinnon	Warren Ekermans	During a high school basketball match, Coach McKinnon intervenes in a fight between VJ Patterson and Hunter King, ejecting VJ from the game.
2 March	Zara Leonard	Georgia Nichols	Oscar MacGuire notices Zara at Angelo's and discusses their university course together. Later, Skye Peters witnesses Oscar and Zara kissing on a balcony.
2–17 March	Claire Lewis	Anita Hegh	Claire visits Irene Roberts suggesting she might be her daughter. After DNA tests disprove this, Claire departs but develops a bond with Irene during her stay.
15 March–11 April	Harry Kingswood	Wayne Bradley	Harry brings Florence and Lulu to Summer Bay to see their mother Isla Schultz. When Isla takes the girls without permission, Kyle Braxton persuades her to return them.
	Florence Kingswood	Charlee Kwintner
	Lulu Kingswood	Mia Kwintner
17 March	Alessia De Luca	Bridgette Hollitt	Alessia attends a university party at Angelo's introduced by Maddy Osborne. She flirts with Oscar MacGuire; Skye Peters later sees them kissing.
	Tanya Hardy	Ashleigh O'Brien	Tanya meets Oscar MacGuire after Alessia leaves the party. When Skye mentions Oscar was with another girl earlier, Tanya walks away.
22–31 March	Drew Panton	Govinda Roser-Finch	Drew attends Lindsay Ford's beach party where he is paid to flirt with Olivia Fraser Richards for a photo intended to provoke Hunter King. He reveals his dislike for Lindsay and admits he came for free drinks.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances

'Mia Whyte'	Debra Ades
'Caroline Stewart'	Nicole Shostak	Ex-wife of Duncan Stewart who brings son Bryce to Summer Bay following plane crash; struggles with drug addiction affecting custody battles leading to departure from Bay.|-'Bryce Stewart'|| Jack and Ace Long||
'Juliette Ford'	Rose Marel	Introduces herself at diner leading to interactions involving Olivia Fraser Richards and Hunter King.|- !3–4 October||	'Damien Grogan'	Aaron Cottrell	Car trouble leads Phoebe Nicholson to seek assistance from Justin Morgan; romantic interest complicated by Justin’s feelings for Phoebe.|- !10 October rowspan=3||	'Richard Legrande'	Peter Tregilgas	Renowned food critic featuring Brody Morgan in magazine following positive review.|-'Guitarist'|| Nick Perjanik|| Performs at Salt restaurant providing opportunity for Justin Morgan to play music.|-'Mrs Day'|| Kerry Woods|| Collects car from Summer Bay Auto managed by Martin Ashford.|- !20 October||	'Stephanie Suttle'	Georgia Blizzard	Set up on date by Evelyn MacGuire but favors Mason Morgan over Matt Page.|- !25–26 October||	'Rebekah Pops'	Sophie Cox	Offers exam paper sale leading to academic integrity issues involving Hunter King.|- !26 October 2016 –6 March 2017||	'Samantha Webster'	Cheree Cassidy	Book editor engaging Zac MacGuire professionally and personally resulting in complex relationship dynamics including a one-night stand.|- !2 November||	'HSC Examiner'	Christopher Galletti	Denies Hunter King entry into exam room due to tardiness.|- !3 November||	'Shenae'	Zoe Jensen	Girlfriend of Burt "Simmo"; involved in police investigation scenarios.|- !10–30 November||	'Zoe Gardner'	Kat Risteska	Dates Matt Page before being broken up with.|- !10–24 November ||	'Randall Woods'	Paul Ceaser	Confronts Brody Morgan over daughter Jeannie's relationship; disputes based on differing beliefs lead to conflict.|- !1 December 2016 –1 February 2017||	'Ranae Turner'	Sacha Horler	Morgan family’s temporary witness protection officer revealed as syndicate member orchestrating attacks against family; arrested after multiple violent incidents including attempted murder of Justin Morgan.|- !8 December rowspan=5 ||	'Detective Geddes'	Julia Billington	Investigates human remains case involving Heath Braxton.|-'Prosecutor'|| Alan Dukes|| Manages trial proceedings against Ranae Turner syndicate members ensuring justice delivery.|-'Defence Lawyer'|| Leof Kingsford-Smith|| Defends accused syndicate members challenging prosecution evidence during trial.|-'Judge'|| Martin Portus|| Presides over Ranae Turner trial delivering guilty verdict based on substantial evidence.|-'Bailiff'|| Kelly Blanco|| Court official maintaining order during trial sessions.|-'Mossy'|| Sam Lyndon|| River Boy ally of Heath Braxton involved in surveillance activities linked to ongoing investigations.|- !8 December 2016 –25 April 2018 ||	'Nina Gilbert'	Zoe Naylor	Former partner of Justin Morgan managing complex familial relationships including custody arrangements for daughter Ava Gilbert amid witness protection challenges.|- !12 December rowspan=2 ||	'Marco'	James Caitlin	Involved in confrontations defending Morgan family reputation against accusations related to syndicate involvement.|-'Steve'|| Lance Rice || Accompanies Marco during conflicts surrounding the Morgans’ witness protection status.|- !13 December ||	'Frank'	Oliver Cooney	Firefighter attending garage fire incident managing safety concerns amid emergency response efforts.|- !15–19 December rowspan=2 ||	'Carl'	George Banders	Follows Tori Morgan under suspicious circumstances linked to syndicate threats resulting in kidnapping attempts thwarted by allies.|-'Jessica Mauboy' (Herself) || Performs at Summer Grooves music festival enhancing community engagement through entertainment events.|-'Garbo'|| Luke Quinton|| Syndicate henchman involved in assaulting Justin Morgan during hostage situation.
'Festival DJ'	Flexmami|| Provides music entertainment during festival supporting main performances.
'Phoebe's Band'	Interim|| Backing musicians supporting Phoebe Nicholson’s performance at festival.

External links

• Cast and characters featured on the official Home and Away site
• Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database