Simon Yates (Home and Away)

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, with Alison Mulvaney portraying the character. She appeared as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) through flashback sequences. The role was revived on 27 March 2018, recast with Belinda Giblin, who had previously been part of the show in 1991. 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.

Brought back to mark the series' 30th anniversary, it was uncovered that Martha had not died as once thought but had vanished due to personal unhappiness. Their daughter Roo Stewart endeavored to locate her mother, who eventually made her way back to Summer Bay. After receiving a call from Alf, Martha and Alf rekindled their romantic relationship. Meagher believed Martha was probably Alf’s greatest love despite his marriage to Ailsa Stewart. Eventually, Martha left temporarily because of anxiety linked to her borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Martha was wedded to Alf and is the mother of their daughter, Ruth "Roo" Stewart. Thought to have drowned in a sailing mishap in 1985, she appeared in flashbacks when Bobby Simpson read from her diary. It was revealed that Martha was aware that Alf’s sister Morag Bellingham was Bobby’s mother and had arranged Bobby’s adoption.

Years later, Alf confided in Roo that Martha was still alive. Upon arriving in Summer Bay, she met with Alf and Roo but departed after explaining that her absence stemmed from struggles related to BPD. Following treatment, she made occasional visits, apologized, and shared her contact information with Roo before leaving again.

Several months later, Alf reached out to Martha, resulting in a reunion and renewed romantic involvement. During their time together, Martha painted Alf’s portrait but continued to face anxiety caused by her BPD. She chose to return home initially but later relocated back to Summer Bay and began a relationship with Alf. Though initially reluctant about marriage, she agreed after a proper proposal from Alf; they wed and briefly left the Bay.

Martha owns a residence and art studio in Merimbula, which causes friction with Alf who wants her to sell it. She describes Merimbula as a sanctuary for managing her BPD symptoms. Martha receives contact from her son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), confiding in Irene Roberts about him. After visiting Kieran, she disclosed his existence to Alf and Roo, acknowledging their complex relationships and fears of losing them. Kieran soon arrived in Summer Bay.

Currently, Martha resides in Merimbula while Alf visits frequently.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her debut on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also appeared on the show portraying headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown of TV Week labeled Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker". Initially, Coburn disliked portraying a character who was widely disliked but later grew to enjoy the role. She appeared semi-regularly and filmed her final scenes in June 1990, reflecting that the role provided consistent work and valuable experience. She particularly enjoyed filming a fight scene with Dannii Minogue near the end of her time on the show.

Vicki served as an antagonist in Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High School and was notorious for bullying classmates such as Carly Morris, Viv Newton, and Emma Jackson. After an unsuccessful attempt to pursue teacher Grant Mitchell romantically, she falsely accused him of sexual misconduct, which led to his suspension. Emma forced Vicki to admit the truth, clearing Grant’s name. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, resulting in Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to reveal Vicki’s manipulative actions, ultimately leading to Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed initially by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of Donald Fisher, the school principal. During her time in Summer Bay, she became romantically linked with Steven Matheson. The strong on-screen rapport between Hall and Willits prompted producers to consider bringing the character back intermittently. In 1994, Danielle Carter took over the role for a seven-week period, followed by Belinda Emmett’s casting in 1996. Emmett’s performance garnered a Logie nomination for Most Popular New Talent in 1997, along with subsequent nominations for Most Popular Actress in both 1998 and 1999, as well as a Gold Logie nod.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, brought to life by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed the series in 1992 but returned for a tenure spanning 1995 to 1999. Although Dannii Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn, she was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons assumed the role of Marilyn. Holy Soap described Marilyn as a "bubbly" and "air-headed blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart entered the storyline on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy’s portrayal 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, Stevenson had been seen on competing soap Neighbours portraying the minor criminal Skinner. Relocating from Melbourne to Sydney for the role, Stevenson described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout" who favors relaxation over duties. He exited the show in 1994 but returned briefly in 1999, enjoying the experience enough to contemplate a permanent return. Inside Soap referred to Adam as a "former joker" and "carefree spirit."

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips commenced filming soon after Justine Clarke’s exit from the series. She preferred remaining active during production, often moving between scenes, which occasionally made her hard to track down on set.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, enacted by Dannii Minogue, appeared from 22 September 1989 until 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn Chambers but was ultimately cast as Emma. She left after one year to focus on her music career. Despite speculation about returning for the show's twentieth anniversary in 2008, Minogue did not reprise her role. Her portrayal earned her a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Holy Soap listed Minogue among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

30 October–2 November||| Mick ||| Bruce Samazan||| Friend of Andrew Foley staying with him and Stacey Macklin who struggles with drug addiction damaging relationships before leaving town.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé appearing in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart’s diary; their engagement celebration ends with Les’s death in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin; conspires with Stacey's father to acquire the caravan park and frames Roo Stewart for anonymous poison pen letters; after assaulting Stacey, he is apprehended.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, younger sibling of Alison and Mav Patterson, attends Summer Bay Primary; uncovers Morag Bellingham's manuscript and challenges local myths alongside Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades separates upon learning she is Bobby Simpson’s mother; warns niece Roo Stewart against Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag's secret motherhood; manipulates Celia Stewart for information and persuades Lance Smart to fabricate shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble misreading his intentions; Matt Wilson teaches her literacy; her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe returns leading to a fight after which Leanne leaves Meat Axe and breaks Martin’s heart.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who attends a town meeting concerning a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Mother of Martin Dibble appearing when Leanne Dunn is introduced to the family.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble's brother present at family dinner with parents.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who helps her at Blaxland mansion; befriends Celia Stewart but rejects her romantic interest before resigning to gain independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk show host of 'The World Tonight' where Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson discuss Donald's son's novel revealing Morag as Bobby's mother, upsetting Bobby.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend seeking reconciliation but fights Martin Dibble; leaves with Leanne after she breaks a bottle over his head.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge arrives causing trouble through theft and false arson accusations; responsible for firebombing resulting in Philip Matheson’s death; becomes Fletcher foster child; bullies Sally Fletcher and manipulates Steven Matheson until confessing; imprisoned for murder; returns on parole in 1995 killing 'Mud' Murdoch Roberts and framing Steven before disappearing after cliff confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Meets Roo Stewart and works at diner despite criminal past; framed for arson by Steven Matheson under Dodge's influence; flees after bail paid by Alf Stewart promising repayment.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged from son Andrew Foley since mother's death; attempts reconciliation but rejected; dies leaving inheritance and apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services representative who places Dodge Forbes with Fletchers as foster child; investigates abuse claims against John Newton; imposes supervision orders affecting Viv Newton during Donald Fisher's legal issues.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor questioning Celia Stewart's claim after store fire due to suspiciously high compensation demands.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business in Summer Bay.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor in Macklin development hesitant about contract signing due to concerns about Frank Morgan but convinced by Martin Dibble.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer employed by Macklin corporation; leads workers’ 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 with Roo Stewart amid family difficulties.
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 group before departing for promotion job in Los Angeles inviting Stacey to join later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman aiding Viv Newton during her time living on streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police sergeant questioning Dodge Forbes about stolen car accident with Steven Matheson taking blame.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and Viv Newton's abusive father; Viv escapes with friends’ help while sister Tammy reluctantly returns under supervision order before fleeing abuse to reunite with family starting anew in Queensland.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton subjected to paternal abuse; escapes home twice before reuniting with mother Angela Newton and sister Viv beginning fresh life in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; secures Matt job as beach inspector but 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 but ultimately supports Sally remaining with Fletchers before leaving town with wife Louise.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating unable to have children due to ovarian cancer surgery supporting niece Sally’s custody decisions.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter’s father demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell over false molestation claims by Vicki; Grant reinstated after truth uncovered.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Gordon Farnsworth’s son seeking vengeance against Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father leading to suicide; infiltrates Morag's life under false pretenses holding her hostage before fleeing after intervention from Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in multiple cases including key arrests; promoted sergeant; accidentally causes Shane Parrish’s fatal accident resulting in suspension following confession.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor arranging Tom Fletcher’s transfer post heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering hoax involving Martin Dibble disguised 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 chartering Adam Cameron for island trip abandoning him stranded as part of ruse involving associates sailing off alone.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after rejecting offer from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife and Matt Wilson’s aunt involved during council disputes over hot dog stand closures.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Arrives claiming Fletcher family ties irritating locals before being killed by shark; storyline noted as memorable by Judy Nunn.
31 October	Chas	Richard Huggett	Friend of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble involved in pool hustling incident exposing Mick as professional player manipulating opponents for cash winnings.

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 at the Internet Movie Database