Steve Braeburn

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. The following section highlights characters introduced in 2006, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 19th season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. The year began with Amy Mathews joining as Rachel Armstrong in the season opener, followed by Jessica Tovey portraying Belle Taylor in February. April saw the arrival of Sam North as Dom Moran, alongside Rodger Corser and Trent Baines who took on the roles of Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. In July, Bobby Morley appeared as Drew Curtis, while Chris Sadrinna was introduced as Rachel’s brother, Brad Armstrong. October brought new faces including Jessica Chapnik as Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, played by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews exited the series in 2010 to explore other opportunities, which also resulted in the departure of her character’s husband, Tony Holden. Rachel is portrayed as highly intuitive, intelligent, fiercely independent, and possessing a strong personality. Mathews describes Rachel as sociable and lively, with firm principles and a romantic nature. In recognition of her performance, Mathews won the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and secured nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel’s memorable story arcs involved her being held hostage by a cult that sought to compel her to give birth.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, enacted by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on 3 February 2006. Her prominent storylines included uncovering her birth mother’s identity, struggling with drug addiction, developing a relationship with Aden Jefferies, and confronting a cancer diagnosis. Tovey departed from the show in 2009, culminating in Belle’s on-screen death; her final episode aired on 11 August 2009. This role marked Tovey’s television debut at age eighteen.

Belle was portrayed as a spirited and outgoing young woman with underlying insecurities stemming from a strict upbringing and a yearning for the parental affection she lacked. Her conservative family was often taken aback by her rebellious behavior.

Tovey received several award nominations for her portrayal of Belle, including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. Additional acknowledgments came from the 2007 Inside Soap Awards for "Sexiest Female," and in 2009 she was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" for the drug addiction narrative. The wedding between Belle and Aden earned a nomination in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Furthermore, Belle’s funeral episode was shortlisted for an Australian Writer's Guild Award in 2010.

The couple Belle and Aden were celebrated by Virgin Media as one of "Soaps' sexiest couples," while fans voted them Home and Away's most attractive pairing in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, was featured on the show from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors, Dom is known for his reckless behavior, including dangerous pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), which resulted in Ric being injured twice—once due to battery acid and another time because of a defective jack. Dom also bullies Ric's girlfriend, Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), sparking conflicts that ultimately lead Ray to dismiss him for being a liability.

When Dom returns the following year, he becomes involved in supplying illegal car parts to Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) and participates in drag races alongside the criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). One such race ends tragically with Lisa Duffy (Jessica McNamee) fatally crashing. To evade arrest, Dom steals and torches Drew’s vehicle, then manipulates Drew into helping clear his name by demanding a kiss from Belle. After confessing to his crimes, Dom is incarcerated for theft.

Following his release, Dom kidnaps Belle but is stopped by Drew and Ray. Later, he suffers a collapse at the diner requiring emergency surgery. Belle declares her love in an attempt to save him but later admits to Drew it was a ploy. Encouraged by physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom resumes pursuing Belle and takes up work at the diner, where he mocks Drew. Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange an interview for Dom at a city restaurant to distance him from Belle; however, he sabotages the opportunity and departs, promising to return.

Clayton Smales of The Townsville Bulletin criticized North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," labeling Dom as a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, made his first appearance on 5 April 2006 and last appeared on 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with Home and Away cast members James Stewart and Ditch Davey in Coogee, which fueled speculation about a possible return since Hugh’s character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former partner of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). Rachel invites him to join her and Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) for lunch; Leah is in the process of separating from her husband Dan (Tim Campbell). Hugh asks Leah out on a date; she initially refuses but later agrees before ultimately declining.

Upon returning months later, Hugh develops romantic feelings for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). He offers support during Rachel’s marital struggles and organizes a picnic with Kim. When Rachel observes Hugh flirting with Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), she arranges an awkward date between them. Hugh denies any lingering feelings for Rachel but moves out after tension during a medical conference trip, sharing accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

One evening out leads Hugh to meet Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten), with whom he spends the night, admitting his emotional unavailability. Rachel confronts him about his feelings; he confesses that he still cares deeply for her. After Rachel separates from Kim following an argument, she stays with Hugh, and they share a kiss.

Hugh receives a job offer in Johannesburg and gives Rachel an ultimatum: commit to him or he will leave. When Rachel hesitates, he departs for South Africa. Several months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony—but she declines to meet him.

Readers of Inside Soap favored Hugh over Kim as Rachel's partner, with 57% supporting him.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, made his first appearance on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

Macca's narrative primarily revolves around his involvement with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson) and his ongoing pattern of domestic violence against her. Baines underscored the societal importance of addressing such issues, stressing the need for victims to seek assistance.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca is introduced as the brother of Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). He forms a friendship with Cassie and supports her boxing training efforts. Although Martha expresses concerns about his previous conduct with women, Macca accepts a courier position and commits to maintaining a long-distance relationship with Cassie. He returns earlier than expected, securing accommodation above the Beachside diner. However, the pressures from work lead him into drug use, which is uncovered by Ric Dalby (Mark Furze). Confronted by Cassie about his substance abuse and escalating violence fueled by jealousy towards Ric, Macca’s behavior worsens.

Following intervention by Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Macca turns himself in to the police and seeks rehabilitation. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he heroically saves guests during an explosion but sustains injuries himself. After a helicopter crash involving Martha and others, Macca participates in the rescue efforts, saving Ric from harm before leaving the Bay.

Several months later, Macca returns claiming to have completed counseling and rekindles his affair with Cassie despite her reconciliation with Ric. This results in tensions culminating in their eviction from the caravan park. Briefly staying with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley), he rejects her romantic advances. Offered a desk job in the city, Macca plans to relocate with Cassie; however, she returns to Summer Bay amid local unrest. When Cassie refuses to leave with him, Macca assaults her once more before ultimately surrendering to authorities.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, first appeared on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining the cast, Morley had roles in Angels with Dirty Faces and was subsequently cast in Home and Away. Although older than the character he played, Morley secured the role and moved from Melbourne to Sydney for filming. He admitted feeling initially anxious adapting to the demanding production pace. Morley left the series at the end of 2007 and later described his experience as feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent shirtless scenes.

The official Home and Away website described Drew as a "brooding" character carrying a significant "chip on his shoulder." Morley’s portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics characterized Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," highlighting his popularity among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 through 13 November 2007. Introduced as a source of support for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders' passing, Brad’s storyline involved both personal loss and professional struggles. He arrived in Summer Bay after his mother Elaine passed away and assisted his sister Rachel (Amy Mathews) in managing their grief while organizing Elaine’s funeral.

As principal of Summer Bay High, Brad was married to Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond), who tragically died from leukaemia, leaving him heartbroken. His bond with Sally grew stronger amid shared experiences of loss. Brad encountered difficulties dealing with students such as Rocco Cooper and his brother Johnny, which culminated in Sally being attacked; Brad provided support throughout her recovery.

His leadership was challenged when Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece) accused him of misconduct, resulting in suspension. Despite this setback, Sally accepted Brad’s proposal of marriage but ultimately left him at the altar. Complications arose when Brad and Rachel discovered their father Robert (John Gregg) had another daughter, Tamsyn (Gabrielle Scollay), whose rebellious nature strained their ability to care for her. This situation led Brad to lose a job opportunity at Yabbie Creek High.

After supporting Sally through various family crises, Brad decided to move to Tasmania, inviting Heather and Tamsyn to accompany him.

Sadrinna received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, while he and Ritchie were also nominated for Best Couple. The episode featuring Sally jilting Brad won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008; meanwhile, an episode centered on Brad being lost at sea was nominated for Best Single Episode at the Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, brought to life by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed the series on 6 February 2007.

After transferring to Summer Bay High, Rocco's enrollment is initially challenged by principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) due to Rocco's gang affiliations. However, Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) intervenes, advocating for his opportunity at redemption. Through persistent effort, Rocco gains their confidence, and upon discovering his unstable housing situation, Sally offers him a place to stay.

Rocco faces pressure from his elder sibling, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), who urges him to stay involved in gang affairs and issues threats. Though Rocco initially provides Johnny with an alibi after a criminal act, he ultimately betrays him by informing authorities about a fabricated Credit Union robbery. Following Johnny’s arrest, he commands Rocco to kill Sally or face fatal consequences. Rocco stabs Sally; she survives the attack. Johnny retaliates with further intimidation, prompting Rocco to seek protection from him. This leads to a violent confrontation where Rocco sustains severe injuries and later dies while in a coma. His unmarked burial is attended solely by Sally, Brad, and Johnny under police supervision. Initially, Ric Dalby is wrongfully imprisoned for the murder but is freed once Johnny’s culpability emerges.

The narrative involving Rocco’s stabbing of Sally received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, debuted on 17 October 2006. Chapnik unexpectedly landed the role and exited in 2008 to pursue opportunities in the United States. She described Sam as a deeply complex individual marked by self-hatred and misunderstanding, whose tragic downfall was unavoidable. Chapnik remarked that Sam’s emotionally intense nature made it difficult to rationalize her decisions, unlike any other character she had portrayed. Eleven Magazine emphasized Sam’s disruptive influence on Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald labeled her a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, first appeared on 19 October and left the show on 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned "Best Bad Boy" nominations at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 for this role.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly known as Tolhurst) was featured from 20 October 2006 until 14 April 2008, initially portrayed by Ed Willis before Jack Rickard took over.

Introduced through his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden, Rory becomes part of their newly formed family unit. After Sam is kidnapped and subsequently rescued, Rory departs but later returns alongside her. During this time, Rory is abducted by his father Shane Deeks, who escapes incarceration; Shane dies during a police pursuit, but Rory emerges unharmed and comes to regard Jack as a paternal figure.

Academically gifted, Rory skips ahead to Year 7 at Summer Bay High but encounters bullying until Aden Jefferies steps in to defend him. Rory becomes involved in school governance but lands in detention due to ballot tampering. During a school excursion, he and Annie Campbell become lost but are eventually located.

Rory expresses joy when Jack and Sam become engaged; however, his enthusiasm creates some familial strain. He earns commendation for an assignment about Jack but also displays concerning conduct such as stealing Jack’s firearm. Despite tensions, Rory gives Sam away at their wedding.

The family’s harmony deteriorates after Johnny Cooper assaults Sam. Following this event, Sam takes Rory to stay with her sister Britt Grey before passing away weeks later. At the funeral, Rory holds Jack responsible and distances himself.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his portrayal of Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of The Believers cult who alerts others to its risks before being abducted. She later aids in rescuing captives and notifies authorities but subsequently vanishes.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who sexually harasses Rachel Armstrong, escalating to blackmail; his behavior is reported to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case, delivering a sentence of nine months imprisonment.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor representing the police in several local court cases, including those of Alf Stewart and Casey Braxton.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	Chief Executive Officer at Northern Districts Hospital handling issues such as Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint and malpractice allegations.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; Regional Emergency Director at Northern Districts Hospital. Attempts to secure Rachel’s testimony to prevent litigation following a prior car accident; later disclosed to have fathered another child.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Proprietor of Moran Motors garage; involved in employee disputes and plots impacting Ric Dalby.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother to Rachel and Brad Armstrong; suffers memory loss after a car accident caused by Robert Armstrong; ultimately dies due to injuries from a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly patient whose medication error leads to cardiac arrest and death.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially antagonistic, grows close to Rachel and Kim Hyde. His obsessive tendencies culminate in Rachel’s abduction; subsequently committed to psychiatric care.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by her teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe and faces challenges regarding custody amidst personal difficulties.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Detective involved in major investigations; revealed as collaborating with criminals; dies in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother involved in family secrets related to adoption and financial disputes; pressured into silence under threat.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable at Yabbie Creek implicated in framing Drew Curtis through blackmail; later accused of arson and bribery.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Belle Taylor’s adoptive father who demands money from biological grandmother Kitty Landsdowne and seeks reconciliation with Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot involved in a crash that leaves key characters stranded while en route to medical assistance.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; tries to hide the affair but is eventually arrested.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Acquaintance of Colleen Smart; participates in community activities including Kim Hyde’s aerobics sessions and social contests.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Surf club gym member who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault to gain attention from her police officer father.
3–28 August	" Mel Harris"	" Sara Zwangobani"	" Counsellor at a youth retreat aiding Matilda Hunter with bulimia recovery."	"
3 August–27 September	" Dean SilvermanTemplate:Anchor Dean Silverman"	" Gary Brun"	" Meets Matilda Hunter at the retreat; develops a relationship complicated by previous arson charges and personal issues."	"
3–10 August	" Vanessa CovacsTemplate:Anchor Vanessa Covacs"	" Emma Terracini"	" Troubled adolescent at retreat displaying anger problems; attempts suicide and is transferred for specialized treatment."	"
18–23 August	" Hal EnpaceTemplate:Anchor Hal Enpace"	" Leigh Scully"	" Encourages Lucas Holden to engage in rebellious behavior including vandalism."	"
	" LawrenceTemplate:Anchor Lawrence"	" Uncredited"	" Associate of Hal Enpace."	"
21 August–15 September	" Emily ArmstrongTemplate:Anchor Emily Armstrong"	" Libby Richmond"	" Fiancée of Brad Armstrong who succumbs to leukemia shortly after their wedding."	"
21 August–5 September	" Gordon O'NeillTemplate:Anchor Gordon O'Neill"	" Andrew Tighe"	" Local police superintendent embroiled in false sexual assault claims involving his daughter Tara."	"
21 August–10 October	" Ella HunterTemplate:Anchor Ella Hunter"	" Multiple actors"	" Infant daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter; central figure in custody battles involving cult threats and abduction."	"
28 August–27 September	" Gareth WestwoodTemplate:Anchor Gareth Westwood"	" Benjamin Ronczka"	" Partner of Dean Silverman, whose relationship becomes apparent during their stay at the teen retreat."	"
4 September	" Grace CarterTemplate:Anchor Grace Carter"	" Elaine Smith"	" Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill who confirms Tara's history of making false allegations."	"
16 October	" Dennis GillenTemplate:Anchor Dennis Gillen"	" Danny Adcock"	" Criminal adversary targeting detective Peter Baker over past convictions, resulting in violent encounters."	"
17 October–7 February 2007	" Ash NaderTemplate:Anchor Ash Nader"	" Ben Geurens"	" Police officer with a concealed family life whose relationship with Martha MacKenzie ends after the truth emerges."	"
30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	" Joe MortonTemplate:Anchor Joe Morton"	" Multiple actors"	" Son of Lee Morton, initially abandoned then cared for by Rachel Armstrong; suffers from bone cancer leading to his death."	"
31–24 October 2008	" Dane SmithTemplate:Anchor Dane Smith"	" Cody Kaye"	" Boyfriend of Lee Morton involved in concerns over abandonment and abuse regarding their son Joe."	"
27 November–	' Reverend Template:Anchor Reverend'	' Peter Flett'	' Local clergyman officiating various weddings and funerals within the community.'	'
1 December–7 February 2007	' Rianna Nader Template:Anchor Rianna Nader'	' Lotte St. Claire'	' Ash Nader’s wife visiting with their children, unaware of his infidelity.'	'
	' Declan Nader Template:Anchor Declan Nader'	' Jack Concoran'	' Son of Ash and Rianna Nader.'	'
	' Jessica Nader Template:Anchor Jessica Nader'	' Amy Baran'	' Daughter of Ash and Rianna Nader.'

External links

• Character profiles and cast on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters featured on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Full cast list available at the Internet Movie Database