Song Johnson

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Below is a compilation of characters who made their first appearance in 2010, listed chronologically and all introduced under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 23rd season commenced broadcasting on 25 January 2010. Two days later, Mitzi Ruhlman joined the cast portraying Rabbit. In February, the characters Mink Carpenter and Elijah Johnson were introduced, followed by Justin Jefferies in March. Mink's mother, Jill, was added to the storyline in May. June saw Christian Clark and Rhiannon Fish enter as Penn Graham and April Scott, respectively. April's sibling, Bianca, debuted in July, with Paolo Rosetta making his first appearance in August. September brought the arrival of Mitzy Fraser, Vittorio Seca, and Daria Hennessy.

Rabbit

Amber "Rabbit" Copeland, portrayed by Mitzi Ruhlman, made her initial appearance on 27 January 2010. This role marked Ruhlman's debut on television and was crafted to inject "a little fun" into the narrative surrounding Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart). Tart described Rabbit as adding a mystical quality to the storyline, provoking contemplation about mental health and psychology, while maintaining appeal for younger audiences through her spirited and playful demeanor.

Rabbit manifests as a hallucination to a hungover Miles Copeland who is staying at Summer Bay House, delivering unsettling warnings. Although initially ignored, Miles soon observes incidents that align with Rabbit’s premonitions, such as a fire at a local diner caused by intoxicated individuals. Rabbit cautions Miles that sleeping could be fatal; after encountering near-death experiences, he begins to believe these visions hold significant meaning. Around this time, graffiti vandalism occurs throughout the Bay coinciding with Rabbit's appearances. Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) experiences dreams featuring Rabbit and receives visions related to her deceased son Byron Fisher.

Marilyn uncovers that Miles is responsible for the graffiti and learns that Rabbit’s true identity is Amber—Miles’s daughter who perished alongside her mother Louise Copeland during the Boxing Day Tsunami. Miles has been haunted by visions of Rabbit for several months; following psychiatric evaluation and treatment with medication, Rabbit vanishes but reappears when he discontinues his medication. Struggling to cope with these visions results in Miles being suspended from school. Rabbit foretells danger threatening Elijah Johnson, Leah Patterson-Baker, and several children during an outing; Miles intervenes to save them from unconsciousness caused by gas exposure.

The arc concludes when Miles envisions Louise at the beach; Rabbit encourages him to let go as she fades into the ocean.

A reporter from the Daily Record commended Rabbit’s introduction for bringing renewed energy to the series with her "spooky little girl" persona, noting an improvement in the show since her arrival. The episode depicting Miles’s release from his visions earned the Australian Writers' Guild Award for "Best Episode in a Television Serial" in 2010, credited to writer Sam Meikle.

Mink Carpenter

Mink Smith (formerly known as Carpenter), played by Matylda Buczko, first appeared on 1 February 2010. Buczko and her co-star Luke Mitchell, who portrayed Romeo Smith, shared the same agent and relocated to Sydney for their roles. While Mitchell quickly landed his part, Buczko initially auditioned unsuccessfully for a goth character before being cast as Mink, a professional surfer and Romeo's sister. To authentically embody a pro surfer, Buczko underwent physical training and took surfing lessons. She briefly returned to the role in November 2011.

Mink is an accomplished surfer recently released from juvenile detention for an undisclosed offense. Buczko described her character as both tough and vulnerable, with a past marked by separation from Romeo. Critics characterized Mink as "mysterious" and "stroppy," combining attitude and streetwise savvy with an underlying tenderness. A year later, she reappeared unexpectedly, seeking financial assistance from Romeo.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay to locate Romeo, it is revealed that Mink took responsibility for killing their abusive stepfather to protect their mother, Jill Carpenter. Xavier Austin offers her accommodation with his family, but Mink steals money from his brother Hugo before returning it after Romeo intervenes. She briefly shares a romantic connection with Xavier but becomes upset when her history is exposed to others. After departing, Mink returns the following year, borrowing $2,000 from Romeo, which creates friction with his wife Indigo Walker. Competing in a surfing event, Mink performs poorly and nearly drowns. Romeo discovers she has been drinking during competitions and learns she has Ménière's disease, which ends her competitive surfing career. Despite Indigo’s offer for her to stay, Mink leaves again, leaving a note for Romeo.

Elijah Johnson

Elijah Johnson, portrayed by Jay Laga'aia, made his debut on 11 February 2010 as a local reverend and potential romantic interest for established character Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou). Laga'aia’s casting was announced in November 2009. Although he departed the show in 2010, he later returned after Nicodemou advocated for Elijah’s return. Laga'aia described Elijah as an unconventional clergyman who is frequently mistaken for a rugby player due to his informal style. In February 2012, it was reported that Laga'aia had completed filming the previous year. A poll conducted by Inside Soap placed Elijah at the bottom among favorite television clergymen with just nine percent of votes.

Justin Jefferies

Justin Jefferies, played by Matthew Walker, first appeared on 19 March 2010 as the brother of established character Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance). Walker’s initial scenes were filmed early in the bush alongside Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), marking his first day on set. He expressed excitement about working with Symons, whom he considered a "legend."

Due to his strong performance, producers contemplated offering Walker a recurring role. A spokesperson for the show remarked on their positive impression of his work.

Justin arrives after being discovered bloodied and disoriented by Marilyn, who takes him to the hospital. He recalls being involved in a car accident but has limited memory beyond that. Visiting Aden—whom he has not seen in years—Justin reveals he is serving in the army and encourages Aden to enlist; however, Aden refuses due to their grandfather Stan’s abusive behavior. It later emerges that Justin was responsible for their father Larry’s death in the crash. Although Justin wishes to report the incident, Aden persuades him to conceal it by burying the body. Eventually, Justin confesses; Aden relocates the body and tells police he found Larry alone. Both face conspiracy charges but are defended by Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), resulting in dropped charges. The brothers then leave for the city without informing anyone.

Jill Carpenter

Jill Carpenter, played by Josephine Mitchell, made her debut on 14 May 2010, with casting details revealed on 8 March 2010. Mitchell had previously appeared in the series in 1990 as Jane Holland. Jill is portrayed as a "high functioning alcoholic," who consumes alcohol throughout the day yet strives to lead a seemingly "normal life." To accurately depict the character’s behavior while intoxicated, Mitchell conducted thorough research on alcoholism. Jill is characterized as "flirtatious" and "fun-loving," financially sustained by a life insurance payout following her abusive husband's death, which she frequently spends on alcohol. She arrives in Summer Bay aiming to reconnect with her son, Romeo Smith, who cares deeply for her but often feels ashamed by her conduct and desires stability. Over time, their roles shift, with Romeo assuming a more mature position within their relationship.

The narrative explores the complicated dynamic between Jill and Romeo, with alcoholism serving as a critical factor influencing their interactions and the broader community. Following rejection by John Palmer, Jill relapses into heavy drinking. Romeo experiences guilt for not encouraging her budding relationship with John. Jill’s depression worsens when John chooses Gina Austin over her, leading her to "drink herself into oblivion." Seeking support, Romeo turns to Irene Roberts, herself a recovering alcoholic, who believes Jill must reach her lowest point before acknowledging her addiction. Eventually, Romeo opts not to intervene during Jill’s relapses, urging her to confront the consequences of her actions independently.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Jill searches for Romeo, who initially rejects contact after a letter he sent was returned unopened. He becomes upset upon discovering she has been using his stepfather’s life insurance funds and grows increasingly frustrated when Alf Stewart and Marilyn Chambers bring home a drunken Jill. She offers Romeo a $50,000 cheque as an attempt at reconciliation, which he declines as too late. Supported by John Palmer and Irene Roberts, Jill leans on John for emotional support, causing friction with Gina Austin and leading to a fallout between Romeo and Gina’s son, Xavier. After realizing the damage caused by her actions, Jill promises Romeo she will attend an AA Meeting, but Romeo later discovers she has left Summer Bay the following morning.

Penn Graham

Penn Tiberius Graham, portrayed by Christian Clark, first appeared on 14 June 2010, with his casting announced on 7 June 2010. Penn was introduced as a "mysterious stranger" who quickly drew attention in Summer Bay. Clark had planned to move to Los Angeles but chose this role after reading the scripts, describing Penn as "the epitome of cool" with a compelling and dynamic personality.

Penn’s connection to Summer Bay stems from his father. He is characterized by an "unmistakable sexual fire" paired with a mischievous attitude that provokes trouble. Clark emphasized Penn’s enigmatic and unpredictable nature, highlighting his distinct "cool" essence inspired by iconic figures such as James Dean and Steve McQueen.

Shortly before Penn’s arrival, it was revealed he would develop a romantic relationship with Nicole Franklin (Tessa James). Clark noted their rapid bond and Nicole's vulnerability as factors that intrigued Penn. In October 2010, Penn became central to a mystery after vanishing under suspicious circumstances; blood was discovered in his hotel room. Multiple residents—including Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Nicole, John Palmer (Shane Withington), Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), and Sid Walker (Robert Mammone)—were considered potential suspects.

Penn’s storyline involved dating Nicole while secretly involved with Hayley Doven (Bonnie Sveen). He instigated conflict by falsely accusing Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood) of theft and creating tension regarding Sid Walker’s feelings for Nicole. After being evicted from the Caravan Park, Penn manipulated Nicole by concealing a syringe that pricked her hand, resulting in a hospital visit and HIV testing. He later confessed to planting the needle but declined to confirm if it was contaminated, prompting Nicole to end their relationship.

Following an assault that left him hospitalized, suspicion fell on Alf Stewart due to their antagonistic history. It emerged that Penn was the son of Tulip O'Hare (Kimberley Hews), connected to Alf’s past affair. Penn held Alf responsible for Tulip’s suicide and taunted him before disappearing—his blood was found in his hotel room but no body initially recovered.

Weeks later, Penn’s body washed ashore. Alf was arrested after receiving threats but was subsequently released when Will Smith (Zac Drayson) confessed to stabbing Penn in self-defense; Daria Hennessy (Samantha Tolj) assisted in disposing of the body. Nicole later gave birth to Penn's son, George.

Critics described Penn as a "mysterious, nasty newcomer," with his relationship with Nicole cited as his most memorable storyline moment. His murder ranked among Channel 5’s "Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments of 2011," underscoring its significant impact on the series.

April Scott

April Scott, played by Rhiannon Fish, made her first appearance on 15 June 2010. Fish started filming soon after securing the part, with April depicted as "worldly, intelligent, and quick-witted." A journalist described her as "fun-loving," while Fish emphasized her character's passion and distinctiveness. April maintains a spirited yet supportive bond with her elder sister, Bianca (Lisa Gormley).

Bianca Scott

Bianca Scott, portrayed by Lisa Gormley, debuted on 9 July 2010. Gormley was cast as Bianca shortly after graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art, with the character created as April’s sister. Gormley characterized Bianca as confident and feisty, though she conceals a gentler nature beneath her exterior. A profile by Channel 5 described her as "strong, opinionated and beautiful." Bianca arrives in Summer Bay seeking to heal from heartbreak and later forms a romantic connection with Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead). Gormley’s performance earned her a longlist nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2011 Logie Awards.

Paulie Rosetta

Paolo "Paulie" Rosetta, enacted by Ryan Johnson, was introduced on 24 August 2010. As the younger brother of Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), Paulie’s arrival in Summer Bay uncovers family tensions stemming from a previous restaurant fire incident—Angelo took responsibility while Paulie inherited the family business but struggled to manage it.

Johnson described Paulie as a "starry-eyed dreamer" whose impulsiveness often leads to complications, necessitating Angelo’s intervention. Their strained relationship worsens when Paulie tries to woo Angelo’s girlfriend, Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Paulie's visit reveals deeper troubles, including owing $30,000 to loan sharks.

Initially mistaken by locals for a food critic, Paulie soon confronts Angelo. Despite Angelo’s own financial difficulties, he agrees to assist his brother. Charlie offers an illegal loan from Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts)’s funds but later withdraws it. Loan sharks threaten Angelo’s restaurant if debts remain unpaid. Following a risky wager at the races with mixed outcomes, it emerges that Paulie used their parents' business as collateral.

Eventually, their parents intervene to settle Paulie's debts. Although conflicts continue, the brothers reconcile, with Angelo accompanying Paulie back to the city. This plotline underscores challenges related to family enterprises and financial strain within the Rosetta family.

Mitzy Fraser

Mitzy Fraser, played by Helen Dallimore, first appeared on 3 September 2010. Mitzy is a psychic who befriends Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) during Marilyn’s struggle with cancer and grief over her son. She arrives in Summer Bay after experiencing a vision foretelling Marilyn's death; however, her "bleak predictions" are met with doubt—particularly from Marilyn’s partner, Sid Walker (Robert Mammone). Dallimore described Mitzy as Marilyn’s best friend from London, a solitary figure due to the stigma around her psychic abilities, who finds understanding in Marilyn.

Mitzy later suffers a fatal stroke amid a confrontation about the accuracy of her predictions. On her deathbed, she confesses to Marilyn that she fabricated the date of death but tells Sid otherwise. Yvette Chegwidden of TV Week labeled Mitzy as "kooky."

Mitzy visits Summer Bay House warning Marilyn about her impending demise. Sid dismisses these claims and challenges Mitzy. When Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) seeks advice on intimacy, Mitzy responds enigmatically. She also attempts to discourage Dexter Walker (Charles Cottier) from pursuing Marilyn by kissing him to establish boundaries, which upsets Marilyn. Mitzy predicts Marilyn has only months left to live, devastating her emotionally. Sid urges Mitzy to cease causing Marilyn distress.

After experiencing illness herself, Mitzy reveals she has lung cancer and subsequently collapses; Sid diagnoses an inoperable brain tumor with only weeks remaining. Accusing Mitzy of deceiving Marilyn, Sid withdraws his support as her physician. Though Mitzy claims she will soon find love, she admits fabricating the prediction. Marilyn overhears this admission and confronts Mitzy, who then suffers a stroke. At the hospital, Mitzy apologizes and admits lying to Marilyn but tells Sid otherwise before passing away.

Vittorio Seca

Prince Vittorio Seca, brought to life by Richard Brancatisano, made his first appearance on 17 September 2010. An Italian royal and former fiancé of Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley), Vittorio returns to Summer Bay seeking reconciliation after betraying Bianca in Italy. As he endeavors to rekindle their relationship, he becomes involved in a complicated love triangle with Bianca and Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead). Vittorio proposes marriage, which Bianca initially accepts; however, she ultimately abandons him at the altar upon realizing her true feelings for Liam. Vittorio attempts to coerce her into staying but is intercepted by Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) before departing from the Bay.

Daria Hennessy

Daria Hennessy, portrayed by Samantha Tolj, first appeared on 30 September 2010. Initially introduced under the alias Shandi Ayres, it is later uncovered that her real name is Daria. Characterized as straightforward, kind-hearted, and free-spirited with a hippie vibe, Daria arrives in Summer Bay on a quest to find her father. She quickly establishes herself within the community, including engaging in a brief romantic relationship with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), noted for its quirky dynamic.

Daria is revealed to be a con artist who has assumed her friend Shandi’s identity. After her van breaks down, she flirts with Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz) and later deceives John Palmer (Shane Withington) into believing she is his long-lost daughter. She also dates Will Smith (Zac Drayson), creating friction with his daughter Lily. Eventually departing Summer Bay, Daria is later apprehended for fraud amid inquiries into Penn Graham's murder; it emerges she was assaulted by Penn and that Will stabbed him before they disposed of the body at sea.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role/Notes
27 January	Priest	Gary Woods	Conducts the funeral service for Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry).
1 February	Drunks	Dean Jeffrey	A group of racially prejudiced drunks attack Hazem Kassir (Ben Kermode) and his friends, accusing them of terrorism, and set fire to the pier diner.
		Joshua Griffin
3 February	Patrick Grady	Gary Woods	Reports on the Australia Day disturbances near Pier Diner; his editor Kristina Cantar (Mel Grob) demands a revised segment including an interview with Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher).
	Kristina Cantar	Mel Grob
18 February	Nira Kassir	Lenita Vangellis	Mother of Hazem Kassir; invites Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) and son VJ (Felix Dean) to stay; expresses gratitude to John Palmer (Shane Withington) for assisting Hazem.
8 March–15 April	Britt Hobart	Diana Glenn	Fashion instructor who plagiarizes swimwear designs from Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), threatens legal action, then resigns following student protests.
25 March–13 April	Michael Patton	Jack Campbell	Counsellor to Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson); prescribes medication to Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart) during episodes involving visions of deceased daughter Amber.
21 April–22 June 2011	Bishop Pitt	Danny Adcock	Church superior to Elijah Johnson (Jay Laga'aia); initially disapproves of Elijah's relationship with Leah Patterson-Baker, later withdraws ecclesiastical support.
5 May	Louise Copeland	Uncredited	Late spouse of Miles Copeland; appears in a vision related to their daughter's loss during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.
27 May–4 June	Killer	Mirko Grillini	Criminal seeking vengeance on Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry); kidnaps family members, attempts drowning; subdued and fatally shot by Detective Gordon Eaves.
4–9 June	Gordon Eaves	Lewis Fitz-Gerald	Senior detective investigating Killer; fatally shoots Killer; clashes with Angelo Rosetta and Charlie Buckton; injures Hugo Austin before arrest.
4–29 June	Lijuan Johnson	Mémé Thorne	Adoptive mother of Elijah Johnson; employs traditional methods to evaluate Leah Patterson-Baker's suitability for Elijah; ultimately gives her blessing despite reservations.
5–29 June	Song Johnson	Jon-Claire Lee	Adoptive father of Elijah Johnson.
30 June	Gordon Stewart	Ray Meagher	Father of principal characters; appears in flashback revealing an affair that complicates family history.
	Debra Stewart	Madison Hopkins	Alf Stewart’s younger sister; appears in flashback scenes.
	Clown	Troy Carlson	Entertainer at Alf Stewart's fifth birthday party; performs with ventriloquist dummy causing distress among guests.
8–9 July	Hayley Doven	Bonnie Sveen	Guest at caravan park who persuades Colleen Smart to withdraw theft charges; dies during childbirth in hospital, comforted by Sid Walker posing as her husband.
9 July	David Stone	Hamish Briggs	'Husband of Hayley Doven; informed by Sid Walker about Hayley's death during labor.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role/Notes

|- ! scope="row" | 2 September || Councillor Leary || Victor Kline || Local council member who approves John Palmer's water bottle initiative, reallocating funds from the Highway to Summer Bay project. |- ! scope="row" | 10–16 September || Tulip O'Hare || Kimberly Hews || Penn Graham’s mother; had an affair with Alf Stewart after his wife’s passing; commits suicide following their separation, witnessed by Penn. |- ! scope="row" | 14–15 September || Emmanuelle || Fifi Box || Hostess of Fashions in the Field event; impressed by Charlie Buckton’s efforts in apprehending a pickpocket, awards her the prize. |- ! scope="row" | 1–14 October || Adrian Hall || Phoebe Tonkin || Employee at pet store who briefly dates Dexter Walker before ending contact based on sister Indigo’s advice; later agrees to maintain friendship. |- ! scope="row" | 18 October–4 November || Alexander Pitt || Marcus Jacometti || Ruby Buckton’s driving instructor who rejects her romantic advances due to having a girlfriend; later insults Ruby but apologizes under Charlie Buckton’s persuasion. |- ! scope="row" | 19 October–26 November || Detective Graves ||Eryn-Jean Norvill || Investigates disappearance of Penn Graham alongside Robert Robertson; goes on a date with Dexter Walker as part of murder inquiry. |- ! scope="row" | 1–9 November || Nina Bailey || Clare Bowen || Introduced as Liam Murphy’s new partner; leaves dinner early after realizing Liam still harbors feelings for Bianca Scott. |- ! scope="row" | 19–26 November || Joanna Scott || Tara Morice || Mother of Bianca and April Scott; arrives for Bianca’s wedding but blames April when Bianca jilts Vittorio Seca, taking April back to Europe. |}

External links

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