Riley Radcliffe
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters who were introduced throughout 2009, all under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Initial character introductions included Gina and Hugo Austin in January. February saw the arrival of Robert "Robbo" Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. In March, new faces such as Liam Murphy and John Palmer were added. April brought in Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner. June introduced May Stone, while July featured the birth of Harry Holden along with the Walker family members: Sid, Dexter, and Indigo. August marked the debut of Detective Robert Robertson, followed by Romeo Smith in September.
Gina Austin
Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her first appearance on 27 January 2009 and exited the series on 18 April 2013. According to the official show website, Gina is portrayed as a committed mother who acknowledges her shortcomings with both her eldest and youngest sons but maintains strength without indulging in self-pity. Industry insiders depict Gina as a grounded, warm-hearted woman who consistently places her family’s needs above her own ambitions. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s role as a mother to three sons is central to understanding her character’s depth.
Hugo Austin
Hugo Austin, brought to life by Bernard Curry, first appeared on screen on 27 January 2009 and featured intermittently until 9 June 2010. Curry, who had previously acted in Neighbours, described his experience working on Home and Away as an enjoyable yet challenging opportunity. Hugo is depicted as an active, outdoors-loving man with a toned physique and sun-kissed appearance.
Robert Cruze
Robert "Robbo" Cruze, portrayed by Aidan Gillett, debuted on 1 February 2009. Robbo was employed on a boat alongside characters Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins, frequently targeting Joey due to her sexual orientation. His harassment escalated into sexual assault, prompting Joey to overcome her initial fear and file a formal complaint. Despite Robbo’s denial and interference from his ex-girlfriend Tanya Gannon—who later sustained injuries—his aggressive behavior culminated in a violent attack on Joey. This led to Robbo’s arrest and formal charges, concluding his storyline.
Trey Palmer
Trey Palmer, enacted by Luke Bracey, made his first appearance on 9 February 2009. Characterized as possessing "an angelic face" yet engaging in "mischievous conduct," Trey quickly captured audience attention. His narrative arcs involved significant conflict, particularly with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) and Nicole Franklin, including a contentious sex tape storyline that echoed a real-life incident involving Lewis.
Arriving in Summer Bay as a troubled youth, Trey bullied locals such as Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) and frequently clashed with educators. He developed an intense rivalry with Geoff Campbell and harbored animosity toward his stepfather, John Palmer. Although initially antagonistic, Trey displayed moments of vulnerability through his developing feelings for Kirsty, which ultimately ended badly and heightened tensions further. Following a violent altercation involving Kirsty and Miles Copeland, Trey pressed charges against Miles, resulting in Miles’ suspension; however, these charges were eventually withdrawn.
In an effort to reform, Trey grew closer to Nicole Franklin; they entered a relationship and became intimate, later creating a sex tape which Trey leaked out of revenge, severely damaging Nicole’s reputation. His mounting anger reached a climax during a school field trip when Trey took hostages aboard a bus, revealing he had planted a bomb underneath it. Despite pleas for calm and many students escaping unharmed, the explosion severely injured Hugo Austin. Trey was subsequently apprehended for attempted murder.
Freya Duric
Freya Duric, brought to life by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.
In 2009, the series featured two lesbian narratives, one involving Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya, whose kiss triggered complaints from viewers. James described their relationship: Freya embodies Nicole's untamed side, which Nicole initially connects with but does not anticipate how far Freya will push boundaries. The kiss acts as a turning point for Nicole to recognize her own dullness.
Freya arrives with the intention of reigniting a romance with Xavier Austin but encounters opposition due to his relationship with Ruby Buckton. Despite warnings from Gina, she persistently attempts to seduce Xavier. Freya stirs up trouble in Summer Bay and becomes involved in drug dealing, persuading Xavier to distribute drugs at the local high school. After a confrontation with Nicole, she publicly kisses her to demonstrate that Nicole isn’t dull, provoking Geoff’s anger as he accuses her of manipulation. Freya exploits Xavier for personal gain but soon grows uninterested and kisses his brother Hugo, unaware that Xavier witnesses this. Hugo ends their relationship, leading to Freya’s swift departure.
Joey Collins
Joey Collins, portrayed by Kate Bell, was introduced on 12 February 2009.
The producers created Joey’s character to explore a lesbian storyline with Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) as part of an effort to enhance viewership. Over a period of five weeks, their friendship develops into a romantic involvement featuring intimate moments. Executive producer Cameron Welsh highlighted Joey's positive reception and suggested a possible future return.
Joey works aboard a boat alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze, who subjects her to harassment and ultimately sexually assaults her while threatening her to keep silent. She confides in Aden and Belle Taylor, who encourage her to report the incident. Though initially met with skepticism from her brother Brett and denial from Robbo, Robbo is arrested after Charlie intervenes following an attempted drowning incident.
Charlie and Joey start a clandestine relationship which becomes public knowledge, resulting in homophobic reactions within the community. Charlie experiences internal conflict regarding her sexuality and professional responsibilities, while Joey faces ongoing difficulties. Eventually, Joey departs for another position after an emotional goodbye with Charlie.
Liam Murphy
Liam Murphy, enacted by Axle Whitehead, first appeared on 5 March 2009. Whitehead, a musician and presenter, secured the role through an audition and was initially signed for fifteen episodes. He described Liam as a "bad boy rocker" and incorporated his own experiences with drug use to bring authenticity to the character.
Brendan Austin
Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, debuted on 25 March 2009. Having previously worked alongside other cast members, Brendan was introduced following the arrival of the Austin family. The character has autism, which creates friction between him and his brothers Xavier and Hugo.
Brendan moves to Summer Bay to live with his family. Xavier had served as his main caregiver during Hugo’s absence, leading to sibling tensions. Initially kept hidden from other students, Brendan is encouraged by Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton to participate socially. Under Martha MacKenzie’s supervision, Brendan runs away multiple times, including one instance causing a car accident that injures Roman Harris, who later loses his sight. Upon learning of Brendan’s condition, Roman opts not to press charges.
Brendan mentions having a girlfriend named Ruby Leeds, who has Down syndrome, causing initial confusion with Ruby Buckton. He expresses a desire to relocate to sheltered accommodation and attend a specialized learning center; after some reluctance, his mother Gina agrees. Brendan later rescues Xavier from drowning despite limited swimming ability, earning family admiration and support for his independence. He mistakenly attends what he believes is Hugo's funeral; however, Hugo is later revealed to be alive. Following Gina’s death in 2013, Brendan chooses not to attend her funeral due to emotional distress.
John Palmer
John Palmer, brought to life by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, previously known for his work on A Country Practice, joined the cast of Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. The character is characterized as a "strict father figure" and an active member of the surf lifesaving community.
Claudia Hammond
Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, was introduced on 10 April 2009. Her storyline begins through a romantic involvement with Geoff Campbell, during which she reveals she is expecting a child. Their relationship faces a critical moment when they become trapped in a caravan fire after being intimate, highlighting the complexity of their connection.
Series producer Cameron Welsh emphasized the narrative’s intricacy, pointing out that Claudia’s falsehood about the paternity would be central to upcoming plot twists. Initially, Claudia insists that her ex-partner Lachie is not the father, but following Lachie's injury during a football match involving Geoff, she admits he is. This revelation triggers conflict: Geoff expels Claudia, and Lachie reacts violently toward her. Ultimately, Claudia rejects both men and departs to live with her cousin in Dubbo.
Lincoln Lewis, who plays Geoff, remarked that Claudia's role was pivotal in developing his character’s emotional depth and personal evolution.
Lachie Cladwell
Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, appeared first on 4 May 2009. He is depicted as Claudia Hammond's (Alexandra Park) intermittent boyfriend, with their relationship marked by multiple breakups over six months. Lachie returns with intentions to reconcile but later agrees to leave Claudia alone. When Claudia announces her pregnancy, initially denying Lachie’s paternity, tensions arise with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). After a rugby match incident leaves Lachie hospitalized with potential paralysis, Claudia confesses that Lachie is indeed the father. Lachie’s temper flares while recovering in hospital, yet he hopes for a future family with Claudia. However, Claudia ultimately excludes him from their child’s life and leaves Summer Bay.
The Daily Record observed that Geoff, usually even-tempered, directs his frustration toward Lachie following a series of unfortunate events.
David Gardiner
David "Gardy" Gardiner, played by Jeremy Sims, appeared from 13 May until 10 June 2009. His performance was commended by the Sydney Morning Herald for its convincingly unsettling nature, particularly in scenes opposite Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby). The Daily Record labeled Gardy as a "villain" despite his charismatic demeanor.
Gardy invades Roman’s residence and intimidates Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) along with her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Although Roman is recently blinded, he recognizes Gardy’s voice and reluctantly permits him to stay. Gardy becomes involved in a violent confrontation with John Palmer (Shane Withington) and others. He attempts dangerous methods to help Roman regain his sight but fails. Once Roman recovers his vision, Gardy coerces him into committing a liquor store robbery; although successful, an elderly woman suffers a heart attack during the crime.
After Nicole rejects Gardy’s advances, he threatens to implicate Roman in the robbery. Gardy escalates his criminal behavior by robbing the Palmer household and taking Trey (Luke Bracey) and Jenena (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. Roman intervenes but protects Gardy by covering for him. It later emerges that Gardy is blackmailing Roman over an incident involving a wartime shooting in Afghanistan.
Gardy plans another robbery at a warehouse in Mangrove River but aborts due to police presence. He assaults Roman and threatens Nicole to ensure their cooperation. During this robbery, Gardy intends to eliminate witnesses; however, Roman defies him and is shot in the process. A shootout ensues—Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) attempts to stop Gardy but fails. Ultimately, Roman incapacitates Gardy with a gunshot to the leg. Despite injuries sustained, Gardy escapes into a creek and vanishes permanently.
May Stone
May Stone, brought to life by Alin Sumarwata, made her first appearance on 12 June 2009 as a new educator at Summer Bay High. She begins a romantic involvement with Angelo Rosetta, who secretly maintains a relationship with Charlie Buckton. Actress Esther Anderson, portraying Charlie, remarked on the intricacies of the triangle, clarifying that Charlie never intended to cause May pain. The Daily Record pointed out Angelo’s lack of sensitivity and May’s emotional turmoil after their breakup.
May rapidly becomes part of the local community and develops a connection with Angelo. Despite his assurances, Angelo remains drawn to Charlie, resulting in a clandestine affair. Once the truth is uncovered, May terminates the relationship and departs from Summer Bay, resigning from her teaching role.
Harry Holden
Harry Jack Holden, portrayed by several young actors, first appeared on 30 July 2009. He is the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel experiences difficulty bonding with Harry due to his persistent crying, which leads her to seek assistance after contemplating harming him. Tension arises when Jane Avent accuses Rachel of maternal unfitness and abducts Harry, triggering a police search. Harry is safely returned to his parents. In August 2010, Harry moves with his family to Boston, USA, pausing briefly at his half-brother Jack's gravesite before leaving.
Sid Walker
Sid Walker, enacted by Robert Mammone, debuted on 30 July 2009 under an initial guest contract lasting five weeks. Positive audience reception led to Sid, along with Indigo and Dexter, returning as permanent characters in June 2010.
Dexter Walker
Dexter Walker was originally introduced on 30 July 2009, portrayed by Tom Green. In 2010, the role was recast with Charles Cottier when Dexter was reintroduced. Cottier observed that his interpretation of Dexter marked a distinct evolution from the previous portrayal. A significant storyline featured Dexter’s romantic involvement with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both demanding and distinctive because of their considerable age gap.
Indigo Walker
Indigo Walker, played by Samara Weaving, also debuted on 30 July 2009. The Walker family—Sid, Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), Dexter, and Indigo—was introduced as a new family unit in Home and Away. After their initial exit in September 2009, they returned in June 2010. Weaving noted that this comeback allowed for a better balance between her acting responsibilities and academic pursuits.
Robert Robertson
Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, first appeared on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder-related plotline, Robertson was intended to inject humor and vitality into the series while addressing serious themes. Walker highlighted Robertson's ability to adapt seamlessly to various characters during investigations, relying on his skill in deception and uncovering truths. Otto drew upon his comedic background and inspiration from quirky detective dramas, naming this role among his favorites.
Robertson is a detective who arrives in Summer Bay to investigate the murder of Grant Bledcoe, Ruby Buckton's biological father. Initially suspecting Ruby’s mother Charlie and arresting her, he later discovers that Charlie’s father Ross Buckton confesses to the crime. Despite his eccentric storytelling style, Robertson proves effective as an investigator. He briefly dates Leah Patterson-Baker but she declines to pursue a serious relationship.
Returning to probe Penn Graham's disappearance, Robertson teams up with Detective Graves and focuses suspicion on Alf Stewart as the main suspect. He arrests Alf multiple times but fails to find conclusive evidence. Attempting once more to initiate a romance with Leah, he is rejected due to her unresolved feelings for ex-boyfriend Elijah Johnson. Robertson pressures Will Smith into implicating Alf in Penn’s murder, resulting in Alf’s arrest. However, Morag Bellingham challenges the evidence and reveals Will as dishonest, forcing Robertson to release Alf and charge Will instead.
Disturbed by these challenges, Robertson confides in Leah about losing his sense of identity; she comforts him by reminding him that errors are part of being human. Offered a promotion involving relocation to the city, he invites Leah and her son to join him, but Leah refuses.
Romeo Smith
Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell was cast in the role after moving to Sydney without employment. Romeo is depicted as charming, mischievous, humorous, and courteous. His family on the show includes his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). The central romantic plot for Romeo revolves around his relationship with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 January | Bank manager | Christopher Saunders | Detects unauthorized attempt by Bridget Simmons to access Leah Patterson-Baker’s account. |
| 30 January–6 October | Don Gibson | Steve Anderson | Works on a boat involved in illegal abalone harvesting; arrested and tries to implicate Aden; provides information about Hugo. |
| 2–6 February | Steve Hogan | Damien Freeglass | Police officer conducting a short investigation in Summer Bay. |
| 3 February | Lawyer | Blair Cutting | Legal representative for Angelo Rosetta. |
| 4 February–25 January 2010 | Lou De Bono | David Roberts | Dates Irene Roberts; dies at sea resulting in Irene's false accusation. |
| 9–10 February | Archie Maddock | Tim Phillipps | Homeless individual who protects Melody Jones and supports Miles Copeland. |
| 10 February | Thug | Zen Ledden | Attacks Melody Jones and Archie Maddock. |
| 19 February | Mryll Ramsay | Kim Hillas | Local resident who initially declines an interview to protect her elderly care facility. |
| 19–25 February | Audrey Long | Wendy Playfair | Melody Jones’ grandmother; passes away due to a stroke during the storyline. |
| 3–19 March | George | Benjamin O'Donnell | Participant in a speed dating event; briefly connects with Leah before she chooses Roman. |
| 9 March–29 July | Brett Collins | Toby Levins | Older sibling of Joey Collins; initially struggles with her sexual orientation but later accepts it. |
| 16 March–26 January 2010 | Derrick Quaid | John Atkinson | Villain involved in human trafficking alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; apprehended after violent incidents. |
| 19 March–13 November | Jerry Thibault | Nicholas Cassim | Newspaper employer who has an affair with Paula Gill; breaks promise of promotion to Belle. |
| 19 March | Tanya Gannon | Hayley McCarthy | Robert Cruze’s former partner who files assault charges; later suffers a hit-and-run accident. |
| 20 March | Paula Gill | Paula Arundell | Belle’s coworker who has an affair with Jerry Thibault and bullies Belle over her addiction issues. |
| 23 March–23 November | Donna De Bono | Suzie MacKenzie | Estranged spouse of Lou De Bono; attempts to frame Irene Roberts for Lou’s death. |
| 23 April | Chelsea Murphy | Georgia Gorman | Wife of Liam Murphy affected by his substance abuse and media scrutiny; divorces and moves to Paris with their son Ash. |
| 23–28 April | Ash Murphy | Dusty Piper | Young son of Liam and Chelsea Murphy. |
| 1–2 June | Jenena Palmer | Anna Lise Phillips | Trey’s mother and John Palmer’s wife. |
| 13 June–13 July | Clint Mailer | Matt Zeremes | Rugby coach who pressures Aden Jefferies to undermine Geoff Campbell’s career under threat of removal from the team. |
| 14 July–18 August | Jane Avent | Felicity Price | Grieving mother blaming Rachel Armstrong for her stillborn child; kidnaps Rachel's son Harry before seeking help. |
| 14 July–18 August | Rex Avent | Sandy Winton | Jane Avent’s husband; initially supportive but recognizes her need for assistance after the kidnapping incident. |
| 14 July–26 January 2010 | Wayan Rahardjo | Dorje Swallow | Hospital patient facing language difficulties connected to Hugo Austin’s smuggling operations; utilized by Angelo Rosetta to expose criminal activity. |
| 20–21 July | Paul | Thomas Norrie | Minor character appearing briefly as an extra in Summer Bay. |
| 23 July–18 August | Squirt | Ben Davy-Thorburn | Friend and colleague of Aden Jefferies; participates in Aden’s stag party. |
External links
- Present-day cast and roles on the Official Home and Away platform
- Current lineup of cast and characters via Holy Soap
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|