Rianna Nader

Home and Away

Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	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. This compilation highlights characters who were introduced throughout 2006, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 19th season ran from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Notable additions include Amy Mathews portraying Rachel Armstrong in January, Jessica Tovey as Belle Taylor in February, and Sam North playing Dom Moran in April. Joining the cast as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie were Rodger Corser and Trent Baines respectively. In July, Bobby Morley took on the role of Drew Curtis, while Chris Sadrinna appeared as Rachel's brother, Brad Armstrong. October's introductions included Jessica Chapnik as Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, along with the Cooper siblings: Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, played by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, which also led to the exit of her character’s husband, Tony Holden. According to the official website, Rachel is described as having "sharp instincts about people and a keen intellect; she is fiercely independent with a strong personality." Mathews herself depicts Rachel as sociable, intelligent, principled, and self-reliant, yet she retains a romantic nature beneath her exterior. In 2007, Mathews earned the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" for this portrayal. Additionally, she received nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" alongside Kim at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. Industry commentators have noted Rachel’s significant storyline involving her being held hostage by a cult intent on forcing her to give birth.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, enacted by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on 3 February 2006. Her prominent story arcs included uncovering her biological mother, struggling with drug addiction, her romantic involvement with Aden Jefferies, and confronting a cancer diagnosis. In 2009, Tovey decided to leave the show, resulting in Belle’s death; her final episode aired on 11 August 2009. Tovey joined Home and Away at age 18, marking Belle as her debut television role.

RTÉ characterized Belle as a "bold and outgoing young woman" who wrestled with feelings of insecurity stemming from a "strict and controlling" upbringing, yearning for parental affection she never received. Her conservative family was taken aback by her rebellious conduct.

Tovey garnered various award nominations for portraying Belle, including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. She was also shortlisted for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" (drug addiction) in 2009. The wedding of Belle and Aden was nominated in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Furthermore, Belle’s funeral episode received an Australian Writer's Guild Award nomination in 2010. Virgin Media listed Belle and Aden among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while viewers voted them as Home and Away's most attractive couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, was featured from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors, Dom stirs up trouble through reckless pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), resulting in Ric being injured twice—once due to battery acid and another time when a defective jack nearly crushes him. Dom also antagonizes Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), sparking several confrontations. Ultimately, Ray dismisses Dom, considering him too hazardous.

The following year, Dom resurfaces, providing Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components for "The Beast" and participating in drag races alongside local criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A drag race involving Denni, Drew, and Lucas Holden (Rhys Wakefield) leads to the fatality of Lucas’ former partner, Lisa Duffy (Jessica McNamee). To evade charges related to stolen parts, Dom sets fire to Drew’s vehicle but consents to assist Drew in clearing his name if Belle agrees to kiss him. Belle reluctantly complies; Dom confesses and is subsequently imprisoned for theft.

Following his release, Dom abducts Belle. After a struggle that leaves Dom injured, Drew rescues her. Dom then vanishes but makes a brief reappearance later. He collapses at the diner and is rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. Belle tells him she loves him to aid his recovery but later admits to Drew that it was a deception. With physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik)’s assistance, Dom begins rehabilitation and resumes his pursuit of Belle. He starts working at the diner and mocks Drew for repeating Year 12. To separate Dom from Belle, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange a job interview for him with Irene’s daughter Finlay (Tina Thomsen) in the city. Dom sabotages the chance and departs for the city, promising to return for Belle.

Clayton Smales from 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, made his debut on 5 April 2006 and last appeared on 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted alongside Home and Away cast members James Stewart and Ditch Davey in Coogee, fueling rumors about a possible return since Hugh’s character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former romantic interest of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). He asks Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) out during her separation but departs after she declines. Upon returning months later, Hugh develops feelings for Rachel, now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth), becoming her confidant amid her marital difficulties. He attempts to move forward by dating nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), though he remains emotionally connected to Rachel.

Following an incident at a medical conference where Rachel voices confusion about her emotions, Hugh moves out and shares accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). During a night out, he meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but admits he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him regarding his feelings; after her breakup with Kim, they share a kiss.

Hugh receives an assignment in Johannesburg and demands Rachel choose between him or her current life. When she hesitates, he departs for South Africa. Months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright)—seeking a meeting, but she declines.

Readers of Inside Soap favored Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with Hugh receiving 57% of the votes.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, brought to life by Trent Baines, first appeared on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

The primary focus of Macca's narrative revolves around his volatile relationship with Cassie Turner (played by Sharni Vinson) and his repeated acts of domestic violence towards her. Baines emphasized the storyline's societal significance, underlining the necessity of support systems and counseling for abuse survivors. He also recognized the intricate nature of abusive relationships, noting the absence of straightforward remedies.

Upon his arrival in Summer Bay, Macca quickly becomes part of the community by forming a friendship with Cassie and helping her with boxing training. Despite concerns expressed by his adoptive sister Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) regarding his past conduct with women, Macca takes on a courier position and commits to maintaining a long-distance relationship with Cassie. Returning earlier than expected, he rents an apartment above the Beachside diner but soon succumbs to drug use as a result of job-related stress. His substance abuse, combined with growing jealousy, leads to physical assaults on Cassie, including causing her serious harm.

Following intervention from Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Macca turns himself in to the authorities and seeks assistance. Although barred from attending Martha's wedding, he courageously saves guests during an explosion but sustains injuries himself. Later, he discharges himself from care to participate in a rescue mission after a helicopter crash, managing to save Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) despite his own wounds before leaving once everyone is accounted for.

Several months afterward, Macca returns claiming to have completed counseling. He resumes an affair with Cassie even though she has reconciled with Ric. After Ric assaults him and he is evicted from the caravan park, Macca stays with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley) but declines her romantic advances. Offered a desk job in the city, he plans to move there with Cassie despite Sally's objections. However, the relocation falls apart when Cassie returns due to local emergencies; Macca’s ongoing abusive behavior results in him surrendering to law enforcement once more.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, made his debut on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Prior to this role, Morley had appeared in Angels with Dirty Faces and was cast in Home and Away despite being older than the character he portrayed. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming and initially found the fast-paced production schedule demanding. Morley departed at the end of 2007, later reflecting that frequent shirtless scenes made him feel like a "meat puppet."

The official Home and Away website characterized Drew as "brooding" with a significant "chip on his shoulder." Morley's portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics described Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," emphasizing his appeal among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced to provide support for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband's passing, Brad’s storylines encompassed personal loss and professional difficulties. After his mother Elaine dies, Brad arrives in Summer Bay to assist his sister Rachel through their grief and manage funeral arrangements. He strengthens his bond with Sally after rescuing her from a fire.

Brad weds Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond) in an intimate beach ceremony; however, Emily soon succumbs to leukaemia, leaving Brad heartbroken. His relationship with Sally deepens especially after she recovers from being stabbed. As principal of Summer Bay High, Brad confronts challenges involving troubled student Rocco Cooper and Rocco’s brother Johnny. He is temporarily suspended following a scandal linked to staff member Naomi Preston but recovers when Sally accepts his marriage proposal—though she ultimately leaves him at the altar.

Complications arise when Brad and Rachel discover their father Robert fathered a child outside their family—Tamsyn. After Heather McCabe entrusts Tamsyn to Brad and Rachel’s care, Brad faces difficulties parenting her and loses a teaching opportunity at Yabbie Creek High due to Tamsyn’s conduct. Supporting Sally during her family crises, Brad eventually opts to relocate to Tasmania, inviting Heather and Tamsyn to join him.

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

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, played by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed on 6 February 2007.

After Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) persuades principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) to overlook concerns about Rocco's gang affiliations, he transfers to Summer Bay High. Demonstrating commitment, Rocco gradually earns their confidence, leading Sally to offer him a place to stay.

His elder brother Johnny (Callan Mulvey) exerts pressure for Rocco to stay involved in gang-related activities, threatening lethal consequences if he chooses to leave. Although Rocco initially assists Johnny in criminal acts, he ultimately reports him following a staged Credit Union robbery. Under Johnny's orders, Rocco attacks Sally with a knife; she survives the assault. Johnny retaliates with further threats, prompting Sally’s foster son Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) to confront Rocco. Seeking safety, Rocco arranges a hideout with Johnny’s assistance but is later discovered severely beaten by Ric. After spending several days in a coma, Rocco passes away. His burial is unmarked and attended by Sally, Brad, and Johnny under guard. Ric is mistakenly imprisoned for the murder but is freed once Johnny’s culpability comes to light.

The plotline featuring Rocco stabbing Sally received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, first appeared on 17 October 2006. Chapnik was cast unexpectedly and exited the show in 2008 to pursue opportunities in the United States.

Chapnik characterized Sam as a multifaceted individual "riddled with self-loathing" and often "misunderstood," whose tragic downfall was unavoidable. The emotional intensity of Sam's role posed a significant challenge for Chapnik, who found it difficult to rationalize her character's decisions. Eleven Magazine described Sam as a major disruptor in Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald referred to her as a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, debuted on 19 October and left the series on 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 for this portrayal.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) appeared from 20 October 2006 until 14 April 2008. Ed Willis initially portrayed Rory before Jack Rickard assumed the role in 2007.

Rory is introduced through his mother Sam's patient, Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien), who later becomes Sam’s partner. The three cohabit until Sam is kidnapped; Rory’s concern leads to a search effort, after which both Sam and Rory leave Summer Bay temporarily. They return following Sam’s ankle injury. Rory is subsequently abducted by his father Shane Deeks—an escaped convict—but is found unharmed after a police pursuit that results in Shane's death. From that point forward, Rory regards Jack as his father figure.

Academically gifted, Rory skips ahead to Year 7 but endures bullying until Aden Jefferies intervenes, which leads to manipulation during a school election. Once the deception is revealed, Rory faces detention. During a school excursion, Rory and Annie Campbell become lost but are eventually rescued.

Rory expresses excitement when Jack and Sam become engaged, though his enthusiasm creates some friction. He authors an acclaimed essay about Jack but later misbehaves by stealing Jack’s gun, nearly causing serious harm. Despite these conflicts, Rory walks Sam down the aisle at her wedding to Jack.

The family harmony unravels when Sam is attacked by Johnny Cooper and subsequently dies weeks after staying with her sister Britt Grey. Rory holds Jack responsible for Sam’s death and distances himself from him during the funeral.

Willis received a nomination for a Digital Spy Award in 2008 for his performance as Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of The Believers cult who alerts Robbie Hunter to Mumma Rose's intentions. After being abducted, she aids in the rescue of Tasha and Jonah before vanishing.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital involved in misconduct by harassing Rachel Armstrong and blackmailing her concerning her relationship with Kim Hyde; reported to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case, resulting in a nine-month prison sentence.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor representing the police in 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 responsible for managing staff issues such as Rachel Armstrong's harassment complaint and a malpractice lawsuit.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father to Rachel and Brad Armstrong; serves as Regional Director of Emergency at Northern Districts Hospital. Attempts to secure Rachel’s testimony to avoid legal action but is rejected and disowned. Fathered Tamsyn through an extramarital affair.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Proprietor of Moran Motors garage, involved in workplace disputes and manipulative schemes affecting Ric Dalby and others.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; suffers severe amnesia following a car accident caused by Robert Armstrong; later succumbs to injuries from a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman whose health deteriorates after consuming expired medication; her death triggers tragic events involving her grandson Charlie.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially withdrawn, forms attachments to Rachel and Kim Hyde. Following distressing incidents including his grandmother’s passing, he kidnaps Rachel and is subsequently institutionalized.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe, initially entrusting him to Rachel Armstrong before reclaiming custody and departing Summer Bay.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Detective assisting with a stalking investigation; later revealed to be colluding with the perpetrator Eve Jacobsen; dies in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother involved in family secrets related to Belle Taylor’s adoption; pressured into silence regarding financial matters.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable at Yabbie Creek engaged 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 extortion from biological grandmother Kitty Landsdowne; rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot whose crash strands key characters en route to burns unit; serves as mediator during the crisis.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	"Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; attempts to coerce abortion and is arrested following an attempted kidnapping."

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description

|- ! scope="row" |3 August–1 May 2008 || Betty Allsop || May Turner || Acquaintance of Colleen Smart participating in community activities including Kim Hyde's aerobics sessions and social competitions. |- ! scope="row" |3 August–5 September || Tara O'Neill || Cashelle Dunn || Gym patron at surf club who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault for attention, later admitting the allegations were fabricated. |- ! scope="row" |3–28 August || Mel Harris || Sara Zwangobani || Counsellor at troubled teens camp assisting Matilda Hunter with bulimia recovery. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"|3 August–27 September || Dean Silverman || Gary Brun || Troubled adolescent who forms a relationship with Matilda Hunter; faces false arson charges; comes out before leaving town. |- || Vanessa Covacs || Emma Terracini || Attends troubled teens retreat exhibiting violent behavior leading to suicide attempt and transfer for specialized care. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"|18–23 August || Hal Enpace || Leigh Scully || Influences Lucas Holden into rebellious acts such as vandalism and theft, resulting in property damage charges. |- || Lawrence || Uncredited || Companion of Hal Enpace involved in rebellious conduct. |- ! scope="row" |21 August–15 September || Emily Armstrong || Libby Richmond || Brad Armstrong’s fiancée battling leukemia; marries Brad before passing away peacefully. |- ! scope="row" |21 August–5 September || Gordon O'Neill || Andrew Tighe || Local police superintendent entangled in sexual assault allegations against Kim Hyde involving his daughter Tara; initially supports Tara until truth is revealed. |- ! scope="row" rowspan=6 |21 August–10 October (various) || Ella Hunter || Multiple actors || Newborn daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter, central to custody disputes amidst cult interference and abduction attempts. |- || Gareth Westwood || Benjamin Ronczka || Dean Silverman's partner at troubled teens retreat; their relationship causes conflict before relocating together. |- || Grace Carter || Elaine Smith || Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill who confirms her daughter’s history of false allegations during court proceedings. |- || Dennis Gillen || Danny Adcock || Criminal adversary seeking vengeance on Peter Baker for prior convictions; presumed dead after being shot but Peter survives. |- || Ash Nader || Ben Geurens || Police colleague of Jack Holden with a secret family life conflicting with his relationship with Martha MacKenzie, leading to their breakup. |- || Joe Morton || Multiple actors || Son of Lee Morton abandoned and cared for by Rachel Armstrong; suffers bone cancer and dies following custody struggles involving Lee and Dane Smith. |- ! scope="row" |31 October 2008 – 24 October 2008 (timeline overlap) || Dane Smith || Cody Kaye || Boyfriend of Lee Morton engaged in custody battles over their son Joe, ultimately losing him due to illness and death. |- ! scope="row" |27 November– || Reverend || Peter Flett || Local clergyman officiating numerous significant weddings and funerals within the community over several years. |- ! scope="row" rowspan=3 |1 December–7 February 2007 || Rianna Nader || Lotte St. Claire || Wife of Ash Nader arriving with their children unaware of Ash's affair; later becomes pregnant again as Ash returns home. |- || Declan Nader || Jack Concoran || Son of Ash and Rianna Nader. |- || Jessica Nader || Amy Baran || Daughter of Ash and Rianna Nader. |}

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 listed at the Internet Movie Database