Simone Bader

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	www.neighbours.com.au

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on 18 March 1985 and is currently broadcast on the digital channel Eleven. This compilation highlights characters who were introduced throughout 2016, all under the guidance of executive producer Jason Herbison. The show’s 32nd season commenced on 4 January 2016. Both Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning made their first appearances in January. March saw the arrival of Jacka Hills, while April introduced Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson. In May, characters Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze were added. August brought in James Udagawa, and September featured brothers David Tanaka and Leo Tanaka, along with Xanthe’s mother, Brooke Butler.

Julie Quill

Julie Quill, played by Gail Easdale, made her debut on 12 January 2016. Easdale secured the role following an unsuccessful audition for a different character in 2015. This part marked her return to acting after a period focused on family life and is notable as Easdale is married to Stefan Dennis, who portrays Paul Robinson. Julie was introduced as the new proprietor of Lassiter's Hotel and positioned as a competitor to Paul Robinson. Easdale characterized Julie as "a tough character" who has earned her status within a predominantly male sector. It was later unveiled that Julie was behind the Lassiter's Hotel explosion, which resulted in the deaths of Josh Willis and Doug Willis, culminating in her exit from the series in June 2016. Easdale reprised this role on 8 September 2021, with Julie appearing incarcerated during Terese Willis’s visit seeking closure regarding her son’s death. This comeback followed the earlier introduction of her son Jesse Porter (Cameron Robbie) that same year. Easdale commented on Julie’s evolution into a more remorseful figure since her previous appearance.

From a corporate perspective, Julie arrives to manage Lassiter's Hotel following its acquisition by the Quill Group. She harbors resentment toward Paul Robinson due to a past romantic disappointment and initially declines to hire his nephew Daniel Robinson, though she later employs Daniel upon recognizing Paul's estrangement from him. Julie confides in Terese Willis about the difficulties she faces as a woman in the hospitality industry and reveals plans to construct a second hotel tower within the Lassiter's precinct. She tactically sabotages Paul's attempt to host the Erinsborough Citizen of the Year event by convincing local councilors to shift the launch party, which disastrously results in food poisoning at The Waterhole, thereby granting the event to Robinson's Motel.

Working alongside her stepson Tom Quill to promote the new tower development, Julie pressures him to replace unfavorable environmental assessments with favorable ones. After Tom’s deceit is uncovered, she disowns him. Following an explosion in the boiler room that devastates Lassiter’s, Julie moves into Terese’s home and appoints Sarah Beaumont as operations manager. She accuses Paul of orchestrating the blast and terminates Terese’s employment when it emerges she provided a false alibi implicating Paul. At Lassiter’s grand reopening, Julie is arrested after evidence emerges linking her collaboration with Jacka Hills in causing the explosion. She is sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment. Five years later, her son Jesse Porter joins Lassiters’ staff aiming to rehabilitate the Quill Group’s standing.

Xanthe Canning

Xanthe Canning, brought to life by Lilly Van der Meer, made her first appearance on 22 January 2016. Announced in late 2015, Xanthe is the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, half-sister to Kyle Canning, and daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who portrays Sheila, highlighted that Xanthe’s introduction would spark a major new family storyline. Van der Meer characterized Xanthe as a catalyst for "mischief, excitement, and disruption" within Ramsay Street and suggested she could become a close companion.

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, enacted by Brad McMurray, premiered on 7 March 2016 as an old acquaintance of Stephanie Scully and was labeled the series’ "latest antagonist." McMurray expressed enthusiasm for the role, appreciating the chance to stir up trouble and deliver unexpected twists. After his initial guest appearance, Jacka returned in September 2016 with plotlines involving prison visits and personal vendettas. A comeback planned for 2022 was ultimately scrapped due to the show's conclusion; that arc would have centered on a prison escape affecting prominent characters.

Jacka’s storyline encompasses disputes with Paul Robinson over vandalism and theft, participation in an explosion at Lassiter's Hotel tied to an insurance fraud scheme, and affiliations with local criminal groups. Arrested for the blast, Jacka enlisted Steph’s aid to probe suspicions about his wife Regan Davis’s loyalty. Released early to tend to his terminally ill mother, Jacka sought vengeance against Ned Willis after discovering Regan’s infidelity. Assuming the alias "JD," he manipulated Ned’s circle, caused a hot-air balloon accident resulting in Regan’s death, and was ultimately apprehended and sentenced to eighteen years behind bars.

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Andrew Morley, debuted on 4 April 2016. His casting was revealed on 30 January 2016. Morley auditioned while engaged in charity work in Cambodia and began filming in December 2015. Introduced with "an enigmatic past" and no connections to Erinsborough, the character initially known as John Doe forms a friendship with Paige Smith (Olympia Valance). It is later uncovered that his true identity is Jack Callahan and that he serves as a Catholic priest. Jack decides to stay in Erinsborough but faces challenges reconciling his devotion to Paige with his religious duties.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, made his debut on 6 April 2016. His casting announcement came on 11 March 2016, with the character having been mentioned off-screen for several years prior. After an initial guest stint, Ned returned on 10 August and was established as a regular from 20 June 2018 onward. He is the son of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia), marking the first time all of Brad’s children appeared together on-screen. Raised by his grandparents in Darwin before arriving in Erinsborough, Ned works as a tattoo artist and is described as "complex" and "manipulative," featuring in storylines filled with troublemaking and personal struggles.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, brought to life by Sarah Ellen, made her debut on 22 April 2016. Ellen's involvement was revealed in February 2016, with producers considering the possibility of her character becoming a permanent fixture. Series producer Jason Herbison commented, "Madison was always destined to appear within the Neighbours world, and I’m delighted Sarah is playing her." Madison reappeared on 24 June and stayed until 27 September, with her scenes shot on the Gold Coast. Ellen also reprised the role in flashback sequences in 2019.

Madison is the younger child of the well-known Neighbours couple Scott and Charlene Robinson. She comes to Erinsborough to check on her brother Daniel at their parents' request. Characterized as a "fashion-forward teenager" and an "aspiring journalist," Madison shares her mother's spirited and daring nature. Ellen mentioned that working on Neighbours was excellent preparation before moving on to roles in Hollywood.

Upon arriving at Number 24 Ramsay Street, Madison reconnects with Daniel as he secretly plans to marry Imogen Willis. She offers support to neighbour Xanthe Canning during a photoshoot and assists in organizing Daniel and Imogen’s wedding at their home. Madison remains in town to aid her uncle Paul Robinson, who is under suspicion following the Lassiter's Hotel explosion. She motivates Paul to gather evidence to clear his name before heading back to Brisbane.

After Paul’s release and his subsequent framing of a journalist, he coerces the editor into hiring Madison as a trainee reporter. She abandons university ambitions and a boyfriend to relocate to Erinsborough. When Paul manipulates local stories into personal attacks, Madison exposes his tactics and moves in with Terese Willis. After refusing to write a defamatory article about a cleaning firm connected to her cousin Amy Williams, Madison is dismissed from the newspaper. Terese then employs her as an assistant. Madison supports Terese’s campaign for control of Lassiter's, accompanying her aunt Lucy Robinson on a trip to New York to manage paperwork.

Madison fills in as a vocalist at The Waterhole when regular performer Rhonda Riley is delayed, which leads to further singing opportunities arranged by Aaron Brennan. Misunderstandings about her relationship with Ben Kirk cause his grandmother Sheila Canning to fire her. Later, Madison auditions for a singing residency at Lassiter’s Gold Coast with Lucy’s assistance. At SeaWorld, she reunites with ex-boyfriend Logan Dunne, resolving previous conflicts. Although she impresses during the audition and receives an offer, Madison opts to remain on the Gold Coast with Logan rather than accepting the position in California.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, portrayed by Jai Waetford, made his first appearance on 2 May 2016. Waetford’s casting was disclosed on 10 February 2016, though details about his character were initially kept under wraps. Angus arrives in Erinsborough as the rebellious son of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles), after being expelled from boarding school. He stays with Karl and Susan Kennedy while Sarah is away on business in Germany.

Angus quickly finds himself at odds with Ben Kirk (Felix Mallard) over stolen money and wrongful accusations, sparking several confrontations. He briefly dates Xanthe Canning (Lily Van der Meer), but ends the relationship upon realizing they are not well matched. Angus also stirs trouble by triggering a fire alarm and spray-painting graffiti at school; however, he escapes punishment, which only intensifies tensions.

Upon discovering his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Angus takes money earned busking by Ben and Xanthe and attempts to flee to Bali but is intercepted. After Sarah returns and admits she concealed her illness, Angus agrees to accompany her to Germany for treatment.

Later, while on the Gold Coast with his father Peter Hannay, Angus reunites with Ben and Xanthe. Encouraged by Susan Kennedy, he returns to Erinsborough and enrolls in music school. He develops feelings for Elly Conway but faces rejection; he subsequently becomes involved with Piper Willis. Angus’s pursuit of Elly culminates in a contentious incident where he kisses her while she is asleep, leading to police involvement and assault allegations.

Despite being offered a recording contract, legal matters escalate until Elly decides against pressing charges. Angus apologizes and departs Erinsborough under his father's supervision, concluding his storyline.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, played by Greg Stone, made his debut on 13 May 2016. Introduced as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi, Walter harbored a profound secret regarding the car accident that claimed Sonya's parents—he was in fact her biological father. He also disclosed having a fourteen-year-old daughter, Zoe (Nicola Billie Gullotti), who is battling leukaemia. This revelation led Walter to request that Sonya undergo testing as a potential bone marrow donor. Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy described Walter as a "troubled relative," while an All About Soap columnist labeled him "cunning."

Walter arrives in Erinsborough claiming to have achieved sobriety but soon misappropriates funds meant for rehabilitation. Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner), a friend of Toadie, offers him lodging at her motel. Initially, Sonya meets Walter under the alias "Mitch," presenting him as one of Toadie's clients, and attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting alongside him where he forms a connection with Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou). Walter and Terese begin a romantic relationship, but Sonya becomes wary when she realizes Walter was present during the fatal crash involving her parents. Walter confesses to having argued with his brother John over whether to disclose that he is actually Sonya's father.

At first, Sonya rejects Walter, who then relapses into drinking. She later supports his efforts to regain sobriety and invites him to live with her. Following his breakup with Terese, Walter develops a bond with Sonya's daughter Nell (Scarlett Anderson). However, Sonya uncovers messages from Walter’s ex-wife Roxanne urging him to be upfront about Zoe’s illness. Walter asks Sonya to be tested as a donor; when she is not compatible, he proposes Nell as an alternative. Despite Toadie’s concerns about Nell’s young age, Walter takes her to the hospital without permission but returns her safely after apologizing.

When Sonya's son Callum (Morgan Baker) is identified as a match for Zoe, Walter and Sonya depart for the United States for treatment. In 2018, after Zoe’s cancer returns, Walter experiences a relapse but resumes attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with Sonya’s encouragement.

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, portrayed by Kristy Best, made her first appearance on 26 May 2016. Introduced as the enigmatic former girlfriend of Andrew Morley’s character John Doe, Mandy emerges as a romantic competitor for Paige Smith. She claims to be John's partner, asserting they cohabit and that his true identity is Jason Jones. Despite Paige’s doubts, John interacts with Mandy until inconsistencies arise regarding his pineapple allergy, exposing Mandy's deceit. Before departing, Mandy admits she encountered John on the day of the Lassiter's explosion but reveals little else about him.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, played by Samuel David Humphrey, was introduced on 3 August 2016. Humphrey secured the role after initially being considered for a background part. James is characterized as a "corporate whizz kid" and highly intelligent businessman tasked with salvaging Lassiter's Hotel from financial difficulties while overseeing Terese Willis’s management operations. Acting on behalf of his family’s investment firm, James conducts thorough reviews of hotel finances, supplier agreements, and business forecasts.

Despite initial skepticism due to his youthful appearance, James quickly establishes his authority. He manages quarterly evaluations and addresses operational concerns such as hidden cameras discovered in hotel rooms—later revealed to be part of a school project. James closely monitors revenue streams and demands strategic initiatives to boost stagnant income. Behind the scenes, he reveals family conflicts: his sister Jasmine seeks control over their family enterprise following their grandfather's death, prompting James to warn Terese about Jasmine's manipulative tactics.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, portrayed by Takaya Honda, made his first appearance on 21 September 2016. His casting was announced on 22 August 2016 alongside that of Tim Kano, who plays his twin brother, Leo Tanaka. Honda expressed enthusiasm about joining Neighbours, eager to collaborate with seasoned Australian actors. David is depicted as a socially aware physician who arrives in Erinsborough with Leo to uncover "a family mystery".

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, enacted by Tim Kano, debuted on screen on 22 September 2016. His casting was revealed simultaneously with Honda's. Kano described Leo as a lively, mischievous opportunist possessing a kind heart and deep respect for his doctor brother. Both siblings come to Erinsborough in pursuit of answers regarding their family's secret.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, played by Fifi Box, first appeared on 28 September 2016. Her casting was publicized on 18 July 2016, with filming commencing that same week. Executive producer Jason Herbison commended her audition, noting her ability to embody "Gold Coast chic." Brooke is the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning. She is portrayed as opportunistic and flighty, often depending on her appearance to navigate situations. Claire Tonkin from Network Ten described her as a "colourful character." Brooke returned in 2017 to continue her storyline.

Brooke arrives in Erinsborough intending to reconnect with Xanthe and revive her relationship with Gary. She discloses ownership of a jewellery business but struggles financially, including owing money to Mack Sweetin. Hosting jewellery parties, she manages some sales while hiding the fact that some pieces are counterfeit. Brooke manipulates family members to gain support, resulting in conflicts and even the brief hospitalization of Sheila Canning due to Brooke's conduct.

Although Gary and Brooke briefly reconcile, financial strains increase as Brooke postpones repayments and fabricates customs delays when speaking with Gary. When her ex-boyfriend Trey Johnson demands repayment, Brooke settles the debt. Ultimately, she confesses to the jewellery scam and departs after leaving a farewell note for Xanthe.

Brooke later returns seeking employment at the hospital but is refused by Sheila. She apologizes for the scam and vows to repay those affected. Terese offers her a three-month trial managing Lassiter's Day Spa and arranges a date with Paul Robinson. Brooke and Gary plan for her to meet her daughter Jesse during a stopover in Melbourne. Following misunderstandings involving Terese and Gary’s engagement, Brooke leaves for Malaysia to meet Jesse, financially supported by Sheila.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Conducts spinal surgery on Toadfish Rebecchi to extract a bullet; procedure complicated by interruptions from Toadie's wife Sonya.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Mistakes Paige Smith for Michelle Kim and holds her hostage; Paige escapes but is struck by Warren’s vehicle. Warren explains himself to Michelle and Dennis Dimato, who plans action against him.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Wife of Stanley Neve who had an affair with Lou Carpenter; visits Erinsborough hoping to continue the affair but leaves after Lou pretends to date Sheila Canning to deter her.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Council officer who fines Kyle and Sheila Canning for letting their dog Bossy off-leash; seizes the dog despite protests.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	Third wife of Max Hoyland seeking custody of Stephanie Scully’s son Charlie; questions Steph’s parenting due to business ties with Paul Robinson; after mediation and revelations about her own affair, allows Charlie to remain with Steph before moving him to Sydney.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Beautician at Lassiter's who gives Karl Kennedy a manicure during his stay.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Council employee removing love locks from bridge over Lassiter's Lake; Sonya Rebecchi and Karl Kennedy protest; Nigel later closes bridge citing safety concerns.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Campaign manager for mayoral candidate Tim Collins; confronts Sonya Mitchell about past addiction and abandonment of son during campaign.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Conducts surveys for Quill Group; requests access to Rebecchi Law offices; informs Daniel Robinson about Julie Quill’s restrictions on storeroom access after valuable boxes arrive.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Delivers boxes to Lassiter's Hotel.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Health inspector evaluating Erins Burrow motel; questions bedbug fumigation during inspection alongside Paul Robinson and Doug Willis.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	Journalist attending mayoral candidates’ public Q&A between Sonya Rebecchi and Tim Collins.
19 February–3 March, 28 February 2017	Noel Creighton	Kristian Beddow	Gender studies lecturer at Eden Hills University; interacts with students Paige Smith and Imogen Willis; advises Paige on university transfer options.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Purchases exam paper from Xanthe Canning; suspended for cheating along with friends who blame Xanthe; party organized by Xanthe is broken up by Sheila Canning.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Participates in Paige Smith’s tree removal protest; challenges Sonya Rebecchi to take action; flirts with Daniel Robinson after overhearing Imogen Willis discussing relationships.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Caught stealing flowers from Lassiter's Hotel grounds on behalf of Paul Robinson; Paul values Cameron but advises discretion; later joins Brad Willis’s outreach program.
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Mediator during adoption discussions between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland; discusses mutual connections prior to session.
	Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Staff member notified by Paul Robinson to alert him if his grandson Jimmy Williams arrives at nursery.
3 March	Bernice Ashton	Rain Fuller	DHS worker assessing interim care arrangements for Xanthe Canning while grandmother is hospitalized.
4 March	Juliet Worth	Lana Schwarcz	DHS caseworker managing Xanthe Canning’s living situation amid family tensions involving Kyle Canning, Amy Williams, and Sheila Canning.
9 March–22 July 2016, 31 May–28 June 2017	Tom Quill	Kane Felsinger	Development manager at Quill Group involved in bribery linked to Lassiter's tower approval; manipulates Aaron Brennan for insider information; disowned by Julie Quill following police questioning; later oversees Lassiter's post-Quill arrest operations and manages Paul's settlement with group.
11 March–25 May	Brodie Chaswick	Matt Testro	Former swimming student of Brad Willis who apologizes for earlier accusations against Josh Willis; secretly reunites with Piper Willis causing family conflict; attempts control over Piper before she escapes influence.
24 March–2 August	Archie Quill	Harrison Mark	Son of Julie Quill involved in conflicts such as fighting Charlie Hoyland; placed in care of relatives following Julie’s arrest; demonstrates antagonistic behavior toward local children.
14 April	Alex Jones	Jana Wilkes	Identifies herself as the genuine Alex Jones clarifying confusion caused by John Doe’s coma identity mix-up.
5 May	Jackie Gore	Ana Mitsikas	Engages in mediation following altercation involving daughter Alison Gore and Sheila Canning; refuses apology leading to court proceedings.
6 May	Steven Aniston	Garikai Jani	Contacts Paige Smith concerning John Doe, sharing details of their brief acquaintance prior to Lassiter’s explosion.
11 May	Sharn Hauser	Juliette Salmon	Insults Ben Kirk regarding Jayden Warley’s behavior bond; dismisses Ben’s explanations about falsified evidence.
11 May–2 November, 8 March 2017	Dustin Oliver	Kevin Clayette	Meets John Doe (Father Jack Callahan) and Paige Smith; participates in youth outreach program; leaves town after recognizing Jack’s feelings for Paige but later returns reconciling and engaging in boxing activities; declines job offer at refuge center.
17 May	Detective Chris Santini	Joel Pierce	Informs Paul Robinson about allegations linking him to Lassiter's Hotel explosion involving sabotage claims and uncertain witness cooperation.
30 May	Shandi Bouchard	Krystal Lencova	Receptionist at Rush Street Clinic promoting breast enlargement procedures; encourages Xanthe Canning regarding surgery benefits.
	Tess Land	Clare Pickering	Plastic surgeon preparing for Xanthe Canning’s operation; threatened with reporting by Sheila Canning after Xanthe fakes mother's consent email.
6–7 June	Karen Harding	Wallis Murphy Munn	Prosecutor during Paul Robinson’s trial instructing witnesses on court protocol and questioning them throughout proceedings.
6 June	Tipstave Alma Aboud	Arisha Bordbar	Requests Paul Robinson stand trial facing charges during legal proceedings.
	Tipstave Roger Corr	Stanley Roach	Escorts Stephanie Scully and Terese Willis during testimony at Paul Robinson's trial.
7 June	Tipstave Sam Wise	James Ballard	Oversees jury activities in Paul Robinson's trial including reading verdict aloud.
	Foreman George Poulos	Andrew Pantelis	Jury foreman announces unanimous guilty verdict against Paul Robinson on all counts.
	9–13 June	Megan Cooper	Joanne Dobbin	Encountered by John Doe at Lassiter's Complex; denies knowing him or Paige Smith despite photo evidence suggesting otherwise.
10 June	Graeme Lewis	James Romeril	Employee at Braun & Bell Technologies informing John Doe about Megan Cooper's absence and company structure amid John’s amnesia-related inquiries regarding employment history.
14 June	Squeak McCain	Jesse Harris	Prison inmate demanding protection money from Paul Robinson; intervention by Gary Canning prevents escalation.
15 June	Stan Lewicki	Stephen Cook	Prison inmate orchestrating assault against Paul Robinson within correctional facility setting.
17–27 June	Zoe Mitchell	Nicola Billie Gullotti	Half-sister of Sonya Mitchell diagnosed with leukemia requiring bone marrow transplant; storyline includes family dynamics involving Walter Mitchell, Nell Rebecchi, Callum Rebecchi, culminating in off-screen developments related to chemotherapy treatment supported by Sonya.
20 June, 31 August	Father Peter McKinnon	Serge De Nardo	Provides spiritual guidance to John Doe concerning flashbacks tied to guilt over Lassiter's explosion; later advises Father Jack Callahan on confessional confidentiality amid potential confession of harm scenario.
21 June	Danny Black	Chris Ostrenska	Attempts to pick up Angus Beaumont-Hannay and Xanthe Canning but fails when they flee; interaction interrupted when Gary Canning arrives to escort children home.	-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
	Rick Harrison	Christian Fazzari	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	External links Cast and characters on the official Neighbours site Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database