Rosemary White

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
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. The following section details the characters introduced in 1989, listed by their debut dates, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season commenced on 23 January 1989. The initial character introduced was Martha Stewart in January, followed by the schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February. In April, Rebecca Fisher made her first appearance, and in May, Emily Symons joined the cast as Marilyn Chambers. June featured the birth of Duncan Stewart, the child of Alf and Ailsa. Shortly thereafter, Mat Stevenson began portraying Adam Cameron. July saw the arrival of Mouche Phillips as Viv Newton, and in September, Dannii Minogue was introduced as Emma Jackson.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was originally portrayed by Alison Mulvaney from 25 January to 13 February 1989. She was introduced through flashbacks as Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) first wife. In March 2018, the character was reintroduced with Belinda Giblin taking over the role; Giblin had previously appeared on the show as Cynthia Ross in 1991. Ray Meagher recommended Giblin for the part, describing her as an ideal fit. Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the series’ 30th anniversary celebrations, Martha was revealed not to have died but rather to have disappeared due to dissatisfaction with her life circumstances. Alf informs their daughter Roo that Martha is still alive, which prompts Roo to search for her before Martha eventually arrives in Summer Bay. Following a phone conversation with Alf, Martha returns again, leading to a romantic reunion. Meagher characterized Martha as likely Alf’s true love despite his marriage to Ailsa. Martha later temporarily leaves due to anxiety stemming from borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Martha’s backstory includes her marriage to Alf and motherhood to Ruth "Roo" Stewart (then portrayed by Justine Clarke). Thought to have drowned after a sailing mishap in 1985, she appeared in flashbacks through diary entries read by Bobby Simpson during her quest to find her biological parents. It was uncovered that Martha knew Bobby’s mother was Alf’s sister Morag Bellingham and had arranged Bobby’s adoption.

Years later, after fearing for his life following an explosion, Alf reveals to Roo that Martha is alive. She then arrives at Summer Bay House and meets Ryder Jackson but initially departs before returning to reconnect with Alf and Roo. Martha explains that she left out of exhaustion and later discloses her BPD diagnosis, which caused overwhelming anxiety and guilt preventing her return despite knowing Roo would be well cared for. Roo invites Martha to dinner with Alf; although she initially does not attend, she later apologizes and explains her absence.

Several months afterward, following an abrupt end to a phone call initiated by Alf, Martha visits Summer Bay seeking clarity but is asked to leave. Alf admits he misses her and takes her out boating; she paints his portrait and confesses her love. Despite initial friction, they agree to explore their relationship further. When struggling with remote teaching communication with Roo, Martha experiences anxiety linked to her BPD and decides to return home; Alf soon follows her there. Upon their return, they inform Roo about their renewed relationship; Martha departs briefly but eventually returns permanently.

Adjusting to life with Alf proves challenging for Martha; she discusses mental health concerns with Alex Neilson who refers her to a specialist. After learning about recent community losses, Alf proposes marriage once more; despite initial reluctance, Martha accepts and they wed a week later before traveling to visit Alf’s sisters. She maintains a residence and art studio in Merimbula which occasionally causes tension with Alf, who wishes for her to sell it; however, Martha views it as vital for managing her BPD.

Martha is contacted by her son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald) and confides in Irene Roberts regarding him before visiting Kieran in Merimbula. Upon returning, she informs Alf about Kieran and expresses fear of losing both if they were aware of him. She shares details of their complicated relationship with Roo shortly before Kieran arrives in Summer Bay.

Primarily residing in Merimbula, Martha continues living there while Alf frequently visits.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, brought to life by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Coburn's father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the show as the headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay's local troublemaker." Initially, Coburn was not fond of the role but grew to enjoy portraying a villainous character. She appeared on a semi-regular basis until filming her last scenes in June 1990, valuing the steady employment and learning opportunities, especially relishing a fight sequence with Dannii Minogue.

As an antagonist in Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, Vicki bullied classmates such as Carly Morris and Viv Newton and clashed frequently with Emma Jackson. After an unsuccessful attempt to win over teacher Grant Mitchell, she falsely accused him of sexual harassment, which led to his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, resulting in Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, which caused Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to reveal Vicki’s manipulations, culminating in Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, first appeared on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of Summer Bay's school principal Donald Fisher. During her visit to Summer Bay, she became romantically involved with Steven Matheson. Producers recognized the strong chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated periodic returns for Rebecca. The role was recast with Danielle Carter in 1994 for a seven-week period and later reintroduced in 1996 with Belinda Emmett. Emmett's portrayal garnered her a Logie Award nomination for Most Popular New Talent in 1997, along with nominations for Most Popular Actress in 1998 and 1999, as well as a Gold Logie nomination.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the show in 1992 but returned between 1995 and 1999. Dannii Minogue originally auditioned for the role of Marilyn but was cast instead as Emma Jackson, while Symons secured the part of Marilyn. Holy Soap described Marilyn as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart made his debut on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy's performance earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, portrayed by Mat Stevenson, joined the cast on 28 June 1989. Stevenson, who had previously appeared on rival soap Neighbours as the petty criminal Skinner, moved from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role. He exited the series in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat lazy and more inclined toward relaxation than responsibility but capable of kindness when needed. A columnist from Inside Soap referred to Adam as a "former joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and considered asking for a full-time return due to his enjoyment of playing Adam.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, first appeared on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after Justine Clarke left the series. She mentioned in Look-in magazine that she enjoyed staying active on set, often causing others to search for her because of her unpredictable whereabouts.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, made her debut on 22 September 1989 and departed on 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers but was ultimately cast as Emma. After a year, she left the series to focus on her music career. Although there were speculations in 2007 about her potential return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not make a comeback. For her performance, Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards and was later acknowledged by Holy Soap as one of Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les, Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé, appears in flashbacks to 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart's diary. The couple had planned to marry before Les was killed during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay, announces his engagement to Stacey Macklin, and conspires with Stacey's father to acquire the caravan park. He frames Roo Stewart for poison pen letters and assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, Alison Patterson’s sister, attends Summer Bay Primary and discovers Morag Bellingham's memoir manuscript. She disputes with Sally Fletcher regarding the existence of the "Summer Bay Bunyip."
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Husband of Morag Bellingham for two decades; they separate after Morag's secret maternity is revealed. He cautions Roo Stewart against Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist from The Daily Star investigating Morag Bellingham’s concealed motherhood of Bobby Simpson. He manipulates locals for stories and convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble, seeks etiquette coaching, and struggles with illiteracy. Following disputes involving Martin, Matt Wilson, and her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe, she leaves town with Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	A friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting concerning a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble's mother appears when he brings Leanne Dunn home to meet his family.
8 March	Scott Dibble / Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Brothers of Martin Dibble who appear during a family meal with their parents Ern and Nola.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Morag Bellingham’s former assistant hired despite being blind; he mediates disputes and resigns seeking independence, delicately ending Celia Stewart’s romantic interest.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about Donald's son's novel and Morag’s maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble over Leanne; after defeating Martin, Leanne departs with him.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker who steals from locals, causes a fire resulting in Philip Matheson’s death, becomes a Fletcher foster child, bullies Sally Fletcher, and frames Simon Yates for arson. Later arrested for murder and imprisoned. Paroled in 1995, he kills 'Mud' Roberts, frames Steven Matheson for murder, kidnaps Kelly Watson, and vanishes following a cliff confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict working at the Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart despite warnings. Framed for arson by Dodge Forbes but later sends a letter promising to repay Alf Stewart.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley seeking reconciliation before passing away; leaves Andrew money and an apology.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Representative from Department of Childcare Services managing foster care placements and investigating abuse allegations involving the Newton family; temporarily suspends guardianship of Viv Newton during Donald Fisher's murder trial.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart's inflated claim following a store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting the Macklin family on business matters.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor in Macklin development initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign a contract.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with the Fletchers.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer employed by Macklin corporation; involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart's negotiation; assists in rescue efforts for Andrew Foley.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker serving as interim office manager at Macklin development; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart during family crisis.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Friend of Stacey Macklin who forms music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; manages the band until departing for work in Los Angeles.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman providing support to Viv Newton during her period living on the streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Brian "Dodge" Forbes about a stolen car accident; Steven Matheson initially takes responsibility.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; his mistreatment leads to supervision orders and custody disputes resolved through social worker involvement.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sibling of Viv Newton manipulated by abusive father John Newton but ultimately reunited with mother Angela Newton to begin anew in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; employs Matt as beach inspector; closes Andrew Foley's advice centre; resigns following heart attack.
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; invites Sally to live with him and his wife Louise but she ultimately remains with the Fletchers.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Ross Keating’s wife unable to conceive due to ovarian cancer surgery; bonds with niece Sally before she decides against moving in with them.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter’s father demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell after false molestation accusations are uncovered.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge on Morag Bellingham for his father’s imprisonment and suicide; infiltrates her home under false pretenses; holds Morag hostage but escapes following intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in numerous investigations including arrests of major characters; promoted to sergeant; responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death leading to suspension after confession.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer after heart attack.
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"; departs after discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson's wish to live with her, revealing family estrangement secrets.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; strands him on an island by sailing off alone after deceiving him about associates' departure plans.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Hot dog stand owner approached by Lance Smart and Martin Dibble to sell business; sells instead to Celia Stewart.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife seen during council disputes affecting local businesses including closure of Martin Dibble's hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor searching for Fletcher family under false pretenses; irritates locals before being fatally attacked by shark; storyline praised by Judy Nunn as favorite.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley whose drug addiction causes conflicts with Stacey Macklin leading to violent outbursts before departure.
31 October	Chas	Richard Huggett	Pool player hustled by Mick; warns Lance Smart and Martin Dibble about Mick's skills preventing them from losing money gambling against him.
17 November	Rosemary White	Zoe Bertram	Rory Heywood's sister revealing his true identity as Colin following his death.
21 November 1989–22 January 1990	Zac Burgess	Mark Conroy	Shark hunter demanding excessive fees for capture; exposes illegal dumping attracting sharks; makes unwanted advances toward Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher causing community tensions before being exposed and leaving town.
12 December	Drew Howard	Ignatius Jones	Producer on Marilyn Chambers' game show "Cheap Shots"; attempts to embarrass Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but ends up publicly humiliated instead.

External links

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