Rebecca Tate

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 a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section highlights characters introduced during 2006, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The program’s 19th season ran from 16 January to 1 December 2006. The year commenced with Amy Mathews portraying Rachel Armstrong. In February, Jessica Tovey joined the cast as Belle Taylor. April brought in Sam North as Dom Moran, alongside Rodger Corser and Trent Baines, who took on the roles of Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. July saw the arrival of Bobby Morley playing Drew Curtis and Chris Sadrinna cast as Rachel's brother, Brad Armstrong. October introduced Jessica Chapnik in the role of Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings—Rocco and Johnny—portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, enacted by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews exited the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, which also resulted in the departure of her on-screen spouse, Tony Holden. Rachel is characterized as highly independent, possessing keen instincts and intelligence. Mathews described her character as lively, enjoyable, determined, principled, and possessing a romantic nature. In 2007, Mathews earned the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" for this portrayal and was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the Inside Soap Awards. Among Rachel’s significant story arcs was her captivity by the Believers cult, an event noted for its impact within soap opera media outlets.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, played by Jessica Tovey, debuted on-screen on 3 February 2006. Her major narratives encompassed uncovering her biological mother, struggling with drug dependency, her romantic involvement with Aden Jefferies, and facing a cancer diagnosis. Tovey departed from the series in 2009, culminating in Belle’s death; her final episode aired on 11 August 2009. Joining Home and Away at age eighteen, Belle marked Tovey’s first television role. She publicly announced her exit in April 2009.

RTÉ characterized Belle as a spirited and outgoing young woman shaped by a strict and controlling upbringing, yearning for parental affection she never experienced. Her parents were taken aback by her rejection of their conservative values.

Tovey received several award nominations for her portrayal of Belle: "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards, "Most Popular Actress" in 2010, along with nominations for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. In 2009, she was recognized with nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" related to Belle’s battle with addiction. The wedding between Belle and Aden earned a nomination in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap awards. Additionally, Belle’s funeral episode was shortlisted for an Australian Writer's Guild Award in 2010. Virgin Media listed Belle and Aden among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while viewers voted them as Home and Away's Hottest Couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, made his first appearance on 20 April 2006 and departed on 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors. He engages in reckless pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), causing Ric injuries twice—initially with battery acid and later with a defective jack that almost crushes him. Dom also bullies Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), which leads to confrontations and ultimately results in Ray dismissing Dom due to his hazardous behavior.

Returning the following year, Dom supplies Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components and becomes involved in drag racing alongside local criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). After Denni's fatal accident, Dom steals and incinerates Drew’s vehicle to evade capture. He agrees to assist Drew in clearing his name if Belle agrees to kiss him; she does so reluctantly. Dom later admits to the theft and is incarcerated.

Following his release, Dom abducts Belle but is tracked down and confronted by Drew and Ray. After briefly disappearing, he returns to Belle’s room, leaving behind a ring before departing once more. Later, he collapses at the diner and requires emergency surgery; Belle tells him she loves him to aid his recovery but confesses to Drew that it was a deception. With support from physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom continues to pursue Belle.

Dom takes a job at the diner, mocking Drew for repeating Year 12. Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange a job interview for Dom with Irene’s daughter Finlay (Tina Thomsen) in the city to distance him from Belle, but Dom sabotages the opportunity and leaves for the city, promising to return.

Clayton Smales of The Townsville Bulletin criticized North's portrayal as a "woeful turn," describing Dom as a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, appeared from 5 April 2006 until 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with Home and Away cast members in Coogee, sparking rumors of a possible comeback since his character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former lover of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). After meeting Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), he asks her out on a date, which she ultimately declines. Hugh returns later and develops feelings for Rachel, who is married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). He supports Rachel through her marital struggles and organizes a picnic involving Kim. When Rachel observes Hugh flirting with Nurse Julie Cooper, she arranges an awkward dinner date between them. Hugh denies any lingering feelings for Rachel but moves out after tension during a medical conference trip.

During a night out, Hugh meets Ingrid Lynch and spends the night with her but admits he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him about his feelings; he acknowledges his affection, though Rachel attributes it to their shared past. After Rachel leaves Kim following an argument, she shares a kiss with Hugh. Hugh then receives an assignment in Johannesburg and gives Rachel an ultimatum: be with him or he will leave. After her hesitation, he departs for South Africa. Months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden—but she declines to meet.

Inside Soap readers favored Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with 57% supporting him.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, made his debut on 7 April 2006 and exited the series on 23 February 2007.

Macca’s storyline primarily revolves around his abusive relationship with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson). Baines underscored the societal importance of this narrative, stressing the need for individuals in similar situations to seek assistance.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca is introduced as Martha MacKenzie's brother. He forms a friendship with Cassie, helping her train in boxing, and eventually starts dating her despite Martha’s concerns about his history. Offered a courier position, Macca initially intends to leave town but remains after Cassie declares her feelings for him. However, the pressures of his job lead him into drug use, which Ric Dalby uncovers. When Cassie confronts Macca about his substance abuse, she endures violence as a result. The abuse intensifies, culminating in Cassie sustaining serious injuries fueled by Macca’s jealousy.

Following intervention by Sally Fletcher, Macca turns himself in to the authorities and seeks rehabilitation. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he heroically aids during an explosion but sustains injuries himself. Upon discharge from the hospital, he joins a search party and rescues Ric from falling before departing once everyone is found.

Macca reappears months later, claiming to have completed counseling. Despite Cassie reconciling with Ric, she and Macca begin an affair that leads to conflict and ultimately results in Macca being evicted from the caravan park. After briefly staying with Amanda Vale and rejecting her advances, he receives a desk job offer in the city and plans to relocate with Cassie. However, their move is disrupted by local emergencies involving Sally and Ric. Following another violent episode with Cassie, Macca surrenders himself once more.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, first appeared on 7 July 2006 and departed on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining the cast, Morley had roles in Angels with Dirty Faces and was subsequently cast by Home and Away talent scouts. Although older than Drew's character age, Morley secured the role. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming and quickly adapted to the fast-paced production schedule during his initial weeks. Morley exited the series at the end of 2007. He later expressed frustration over frequently being required to appear shirtless on set, describing himself as a "meat puppet". The official Home and Away website described Drew as a "brooding" figure carrying a significant "chip on his shoulder."

Morley’s portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards of 2007. Critics labeled Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and "bad-boy heart-throb," highlighting his appeal particularly among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced as a supportive presence for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders' passing, Brad's narrative also explored personal hardships including coping with his mother Elaine's tragic death.

Brad arrives in Summer Bay amid family mourning, aiding his sister Rachel (Amy Mathews) in organizing their mother's funeral. Early scenes reveal Brad’s vulnerability—for example, being discovered unclothed at Leah Patterson-Baker's residence. He later rescues Sally from a fire and marries his girlfriend Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond), who shortly thereafter succumbs to leukaemia, deepening his emotional challenges.

As principal of Summer Bay High School, Brad contends with student conflicts involving Rocco Cooper (Ian Meadows) and tension with Rocco’s brother Johnny. His relationship with Sally grows more intense, culminating in plans for marriage that Sally ultimately cancels, prompting Brad to move out. A significant storyline includes Brad being lost at sea during a storm yet returning safely.

Family secrets emerge when Brad and Rachel learn that their father Robert (John Gregg) fathered a daughter named Tamsyn (Gabrielle Scollay) through an affair. Brad takes full responsibility for Tamsyn but loses employment opportunities due to her behavior. He supports Sally through further personal trials before deciding to relocate to Tasmania accompanied by Heather and Tamsyn.

Sadrinna received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, while he and Ritchie were nominated for Best Couple. The episode depicting Brad’s abandoned wedding won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008; additionally, the lost-at-sea episode was nominated for Best Single Episode at the Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, brought to life by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed the series on 6 February 2007.

After Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) intervenes, overriding principal Brad Armstrong's (Chris Sadrinna) reservations about Rocco’s gang affiliations, he enrolls at Summer Bay High, as Sally believes he merits another opportunity. Demonstrating commitment, he earns the respect of the staff, and upon discovering his living circumstances, Sally offers him accommodation.

Rocco’s elder brother Johnny (Callan Mulvey) exerts pressure for him to remain involved in gang-related activities, threatening lethal consequences if he withdraws. Although initially complicit in Johnny's criminal acts, Rocco ultimately betrays him by exposing a staged Credit Union robbery. Under Johnny’s orders, Rocco attempts to murder Sally by stabbing her, but she survives. In retaliation, Johnny escalates violence against Rocco, who later succumbs to injuries inflicted during a brutal assault orchestrated by Johnny. His unmarked burial is witnessed only by Sally, Brad, and a guarded Johnny. Ric Dalby is wrongfully imprisoned for Rocco’s death but is freed once Johnny’s culpability is established.

This narrative arc received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, debuted on 17 October 2006. Chapnik landed the role unexpectedly and exited in 2008 to pursue opportunities in the United States. She characterized Sam as a deeply troubled individual "laden with self-hatred" and "destined for failure," whose tragic downfall was both compelling and difficult to justify. Eleven Magazine highlighted Sam’s disruptive impact on Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald described her as a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, first appeared on 19 October and left on 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in consecutive years, 2007 and 2008, for his portrayal.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (born Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) was featured from 20 October 2006 until 14 April 2008, initially played by Ed Willis before Jack Rickard took over the role.

Rory enters the storyline through his mother Sam’s relationship with Jack Holden, forming a strong connection with Jack. When Sam is abducted, Rory's concerns prompt her rescue, after which they temporarily leave Summer Bay. Upon their return, Rory is taken hostage by his father Shane Deeks following Shane’s prison escape; Shane dies during a police chase while Rory remains unharmed. Subsequently, Rory regards Jack as his paternal figure.

An academically gifted student who skips directly to Year 7, Rory encounters bullying but receives protection from Aden Jefferies in exchange for assisting with rigging a school election. When their scheme is uncovered, Rory faces disciplinary action. During a school excursion, Rory and Annie Campbell become lost but are safely recovered.

Thrilled by Jack and Sam’s engagement announcement, Rory shares the news publicly despite their preference for privacy. He excels academically with an A+ paper about Jack but later causes trouble by stealing Jack's firearm. After conflicts involving Martha MacKenzie and behavioral challenges at school, Rory continues to support his mother’s wedding plans. However, family stability collapses when Sam suffers an attack from Johnny Cooper; she takes Rory to live with her sister Britt before passing away weeks later. At Sam’s funeral, Rory holds Jack responsible and distances himself.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his portrayal of Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of The Believers cult who is abducted after exposing Mumma Rose’s intentions. She pretends to cooperate to save Tasha and Jonah, alerts the authorities, then vanishes.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong, escalating to blackmail; Rachel reports him to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case and sentences him to nine months in jail.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor handling several local court cases, including those involving Alf Stewart and Casey Braxton.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital managing staff conflicts, including handling Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint and malpractice claims.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Rachel and Brad Armstrong’s estranged father; appointed Regional Director of Emergency at Northern Districts Hospital; attempts to coerce Rachel’s testimony to avoid litigation from a failed surgery but is rejected and cut off.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Proprietor of Moran Motors garage dealing with employee issues involving Ric Dalby and nephew Dom Moran, including illegal conduct and workplace accidents.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong suffering severe amnesia from a previous car accident caused by Robert Armstrong; later dies from injuries sustained in a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman under Rachel Armstrong’s care who dies following an accidental morphine overdose administered by her grandson Charlie McKinnon.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Grandson of Doris McKinnon; develops an unhealthy fixation on Rachel and Kim Hyde culminating in Rachel’s kidnapping; subsequently committed to psychiatric care.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to Joe, initially leaving him with Rachel Armstrong before reclaiming him and departing the bay.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Detective assisting in stalker case; later revealed to be colluding with antagonist Eve Jacobsen before both perish in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother who misleads Belle Taylor regarding her birth mother; leaves the bay after accepting hush money from daughter Kelli under pressure.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable involved in investigations including arson and blackmail; later faces charges for arson and bribery.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Belle Taylor’s adoptive father who attempts to extort Kitty Landsdowne; rejected by Belle when offering payoff money.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot involved in a transport accident who mediates among stranded passengers until rescue arrives.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; arrested following an attempted kidnapping after their affair is exposed.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Acquaintance of Colleen Smart participating in local social activities such as aerobics classes and bowls tournaments.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	'Gym patron at the surf club who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault to gain attention but later admits the claim was fabricated.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
3 August–27 September	Dean Silverman	Gary Brun	Meets Matilda Hunter at teen retreat, develops a relationship; accused but cleared of arson; reveals prior relationship with Gareth Westwood before leaving.
	Vanessa Covacs	Emma Terracini	Fellow retreat attendee with anger management issues leading to hospitalization following a suicide attempt.
18–23 August	Hal Enpace	Leigh Scully	Encourages Lucas Holden towards rebellious acts including theft and vandalism; held financially liable for damages caused.
	Lawrence	Uncredited	Associate of Hal Enpace involved in delinquent behavior.
21 August–15 September	Emily Armstrong	Libby Richmond	Brad Armstrong's fiancée diagnosed with leukaemia; marries Brad before passing away peacefully.
21 August–5 September	Gordon O'Neill	Andrew Tighe	Police superintendent skeptical about false assault accusations against Kim Hyde made by daughter Tara O'Neill; reconciles with family after truth emerges.
21 August–10 October	Ella Hunter	Multiple actors	Newborn daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter; targeted in multiple kidnapping attempts due to cult connections; family relocates to Boston.
	Gareth Westwood	Benjamin Ronczka	Dean Silverman's partner at teen retreat; their relationship is revealed before Dean departs.
	Grace Carter	Elaine Smith	Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill and mother to Tara O'Neill; provides evidence confirming Tara's history of false allegations.
	Dennis Gillen	Danny Adcock	Criminal adversary targeting Peter Baker for previous convictions; presumed dead after confrontation but actually Peter's enemy dies.
	Ash Nader	Ben Geurens	Police officer and friend of Jack Holden engaged in secret affair with Martha MacKenzie while married, causing personal conflict leading to his departure.
30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	Joe Morton	Multiple actors	Son of Lee Morton abandoned then cared for by Rachel Armstrong; suffers bone cancer and dies following complex custody disputes involving Lee and Dane Smith.
	Dane Smith	Cody Kaye	Lee Morton's boyfriend involved in custody disputes over Joe Morton; leaves Lee after threats concerning baby’s health arise; later returns reporting Joe's death.
	Reverend	Peter Flett	Local priest officiating key weddings and funerals within the community including Kim Hyde and Rachel Armstrong's marriage; appears intermittently through 2016.
1 December–7 February 2007	Rianna Nader	Lotte St. Claire	Ash Nader's wife visiting with children Declan and Jess unaware of Ash's affair; later becomes pregnant prompting Ash's return home.
	Declan Nader	Jack Concoran	Son of Ash and Rianna Nader featured during family storyline.
	Jessica NaderTemplate:Anchor Jessica Nader	Amy Baran	Daughter of Ash and Rianna Nader involved in family developments.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database