Samantha Walker

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart made her initial appearance between 25 January and 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. Introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), the character was brought back on 27 March 2018 with Belinda Giblin taking over the role. Giblin had previously been part of the series in 1991. It is said that Meagher recommended Giblin for this role, describing her as "the ideal choice." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Her return coincided with the show's 30th anniversary, revealing that Martha had not died as once assumed but had vanished due to emotional distress. Their daughter Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) initially struggles to locate her mother, who eventually arrives in Summer Bay. After rekindling a romantic relationship with Alf, Martha temporarily departs again because of anxiety connected to her borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Martha was Alf Stewart’s wife and mother to Ruth "Roo" Stewart. Thought to have drowned in a sailing accident in 1985, she appeared in flashbacks through diary entries that uncovered significant family revelations. Many years later, Alf admits she is still alive, which leads to Martha’s return and the revival of their relationship. She reveals her diagnosis of BPD, explaining both her previous disappearance and difficulties in bonding with Roo.

Following treatment, Martha mends her relationships with Alf and Roo, though she initially faces challenges related to her living situation and mental health. With assistance from Alex Neilson (Zoe Ventoura), she pursues specialized care. After hearing about tragic events affecting the community, Alf proposes marriage once more; Martha agrees, and they wed before departing to visit relatives.

Martha owns a home and studio in Merimbula, which sometimes causes friction with Alf but acts as a sanctuary for managing her BPD. She informs Roo and Alf about her son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), a half-brother previously unknown to them, which introduces complicated family dynamics when Kieran arrives in Summer Bay.

While Martha continues to live in Merimbula, Alf frequently visits, balancing his personal healing with his family responsibilities.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, first appeared on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the series as Donald Fisher, the headmaster. David Brown from TV Week labeled Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Initially disliking playing a character who was unpopular, Coburn eventually grew fond of the role. She appeared on a semi-regular basis until completing her final scenes in June 1990, describing the experience as valuable for both work and learning. Among her favorite moments was filming a fight scene alongside Dannii Minogue near the end of her time on the show.

Vicki was a disruptive presence among Steven Matheson’s classmates at Summer Bay High, bullying peers such as Viv Newton and clashing with Emma Jackson. When new teacher Grant Mitchell rejected her advances, Vicki falsely accused him of sexual harassment, resulting in his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, clearing Grant's name. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, leading to Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen uncovered Vicki’s manipulations by enlisting help from her cousin Anna, which ultimately led to Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her initial appearance on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of the school principal, Donald Fisher. During her stay in Summer Bay, she became romantically linked to Steven Matheson. The producers admired the dynamic between Hall and Adam Willits, prompting them to consider occasional reappearances for Rebecca. The character was later recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period in 1994 and subsequently with Belinda Emmett in 1996. Emmett’s interpretation of Rebecca garnered her nominations for the Logie Award categories of Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998, 1999), and the prestigious Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, enacted by Emily Symons, debuted on 18 May 1989. Symons departed the series in 1992 but returned to the role from 1995 until 1999. Dannii Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons assumed the role of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart was introduced on screen 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, played by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on 28 June 1989. Prior to this role, Stevenson had acted in the rival soap Neighbours portraying a minor criminal named Skinner. He moved from Melbourne to Sydney for filming and exited the series in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat lazy, favoring relaxation over responsibility, yet capable of kindness. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "former joker" and "carefree." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and expressed willingness to return full-time, noting minimal changes in the show.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and left the series on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after co-star Justine Clarke departed. In an interview, she mentioned preferring to remain active during production, which often made her difficult to locate on set.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, first appeared on 22 September 1989 and departed on 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers but was cast as Emma instead. After one year in the series, she left to pursue her music career. Despite rumors of a comeback for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not return to the role. Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards for her portrayal of Emma. Later, Holy Soap included her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

30 October–2 November|| Mick ||Bruce Samazan || Friend of Andrew Foley and Stacey Macklin whose drug addiction causes conflict leading him to trash their flat then leave town. 31 October || Chas || Richard Huggett || Pool player hustled by Mick who warns Lance Smart and Martin Dibble against playing Mick due to his skill level. 17 November||| Rosemary White ||| Zoe Bertram||| Sister of Rory Heywood revealing his true identity as Colin following his death. 21 November 1989–22 January 1990||| Zac Burgess ||| Mark Conroy||| Shark hunter demanding payment for capturing shark linked to Rory Heywood’s death; attempts inappropriate advances toward Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher causing community tension before being exposed and leaving town after altercation with Tom Fletcher. 12 December||| Drew Howard ||| Ignatius Jones||| Producer of Marilyn Chambers’ game show "Cheap Shots," attempting to humiliate Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but ends up embarrassed when Marilyn retaliates live on air.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Details
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Celia Stewart’s late fiancé appearing in flashbacks from 1970; they celebrate their engagement before Les is killed during the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Visits Summer Bay to reunite with Stacey Macklin; reveals their engagement, conspires with Stacey's father to purchase the caravan park, and frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters; after assaulting Stacey, he is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Alison Patterson’s younger sister attending Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham’s memoir manuscript and disputes local legends with Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades; they separate following revelations about Bobby Simpson’s parentage.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist from The Daily Star investigating Morag’s story about Bobby Simpson; manipulates locals for information and persuades Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Dates Martin Dibble while struggling with illiteracy; leaves him after a violent confrontation to reunite with ex-boyfriend Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting regarding a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble’s mother who meets Leanne Dunn during a family dinner arranged to discourage marriage plans.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble’s brother appearing at a family gathering.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who works at Blaxland mansion; develops an unreturned friendship with Celia Stewart before resigning.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk show host featuring Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discussing Morag Bellingham's maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble over her and ultimately leaves with Leanne.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker who steals money and commits arson causing Philip Matheson's death; later fostered by the Fletchers; bullies Sally Fletcher and frames Simon Yates before arrest; paroled in 1995, returns seeking revenge by framing Steven Matheson and kidnapping Kelly Watson; body never recovered.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict working at Bayside diner; dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson but released after Alf Stewart bails him out.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father seeking reconciliation with his son Andrew before dying and leaving an inheritance.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official responsible for placing Brian "Dodge" Forbes with the Fletchers and overseeing Tammy Newton's custody amid abuse allegations.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor skeptical of Celia Stewart's 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 convinced by Martin Dibble to sign contract.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of Peter Bedford attending dinner with the Fletchers.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer at Macklin corporation involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart's negotiation; assists in rescue involving Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to engage Roo Stewart.
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; after internal conflicts, gains promotion in Los Angeles inviting Stacey to join her.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman supporting Viv Newton during her time living on streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Brian "Dodge" Forbes regarding stolen car incident; Steven Matheson takes responsibility.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; locks Viv in cupboard leading to exposure and loss of custody; eventually relinquishes custody following further abuse claims.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton caught between abusive father John Newton and social services; reunites with mother Angela after fleeing abuse to start anew in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson's uncle serving on local council; closes Andrew Foley's advice centre before resigning due to health concerns.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s Youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody; Sally initially agrees but remains with Fletchers; Ross departs Summer Bay thereafter.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating unable to have children; bonds with niece Sally before Sally decides to stay with Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter who reacts strongly against sexual misconduct allegations toward teacher Grant Mitchell later disproved.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking vengeance against Morag Bellingham for his father's imprisonment and suicide; infiltrates Morag's life, terrorizes her, holds her hostage before fleeing after intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in various cases including Andrew Foley's trespassing arrest, Shane Parrish and Sally Fletcher's arrests, responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane's death; later confesses guilt resulting in suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor arranging Tom Fletcher’s transfer following heart attack incident.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City physician diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs upon discovering it does not exist.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her, revealing family estrangement issues.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; deceives him by sailing off without him after claiming companions had left.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Hot dog stand owner who sells business to Celia Stewart after rejecting offer from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife involved during council disputes over closure of Matt Wilson’s hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor searching for Fletcher family under false pretenses; irritates locals before being killed by shark; storyline noted as significant by Judy Nunn.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database