Stevie Marlow
Valerie Beaumont
Valerie Beaumont, brought to life by Courtney Clarke, made her first appearance on 29 January 2024. Announced on 15 January, Clarke joined the cast for a brief guest role, collaborating closely with Ada Nicodemou, James Stewart, and Matt Evans, who portray Leah Patterson, Justin Morgan, and Theo Poulos respectively. Valerie is introduced as Leah’s companion from a mental health facility who aids her transition back into Summer Bay. She motivates Leah to rebuild her relationship with Justin and becomes romantically linked with Theo.
Clarke emphasized that Valerie’s connection with Leah is a key element of her character and mentioned that Valerie would inadvertently cause some unexpected complications within the community without malicious intent. To accurately represent Valerie’s distinctive and traumatic history, Clarke conducted thorough research. The character’s visual design features red hair and a bold fashion sense to set her apart from the usual Summer Bay residents.
Valerie’s narrative arc involves exposing Theo to drug abuse, which results in his arrest after the police discover her drugs in their vehicle. Following these developments, Valerie eventually departs from the town.
Stevie Marlow
Stevie Marlow, played by Catherine Văn-Davies, appeared for the first time on 29 February 2024 as a film actress introduced alongside series regular Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright), who becomes her bodyguard after losing his position as a police officer. Stevie also emerges as a romantic interest for Remi Carter (Adam Rowland). Văn-Davies described Stevie and Cash as an "ideal odd couple," yet noted that Remi was a "more fitting match." Stevie’s carefully managed public persona and career are complicated by the presence of a stalker, fueling her yearning for freedom through her relationship with Remi. The character becomes part of a "love square" when Remi’s ex, Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin), starts dating Stevie’s director and former boyfriend Nelson Giles (Mahesh Jadu).
In connection with a promotional collaboration with Sunrise (Australian TV program), host Matt Shirvington interviewed Stevie about her film All Our Tomorrows. Văn-Davies pointed to this event as evidence of Stevie’s rising career momentum, although the stalker threat undermines her confidence and endangers her "big moment."
Stevie’s storyline reaches its conclusion on 28 May 2024 when she is tragically shot by her stalker Sidney Wickham (Joshua McElroy). This dramatic development was part of a pre-planned tragic arc involving Cash. A reviewer from the Western Daily Press remarked on Stevie’s strong presence and influence over other characters, questioning whether she intends to dominate the male figures within Bree’s circle.
Following the stalking-related death of a former co-star, Stevie hires Cash as her security detail. Despite initial friction and Cash advising her to cancel public appearances, he accepts the role and even offers for her to stay with him for added protection. While residing in Summer Bay, Stevie dates Remi but eventually dismisses Cash, confident enough to promote her new film independently. However, Sidney attacks her during an event; Cash intervenes and Sidney is apprehended. Stevie relocates her film production, including director Nelson Giles, to Summer Bay where Nelson begins dating Bree. After Sidney is released from custody, he fatally shoots Stevie on the beach. Despite efforts by Bree and Levi Fowler (Tristan Gorey) to save her, she succumbs to her injuries.
Rory Templeton
Rory Templeton, brought to life by Joshua Orpin, made his first appearance on 27 June 2024. Orpin’s casting was revealed in March 2024, with character specifics disclosed in June. Having experience working overseas, Orpin considered this role an ideal chance to reconnect with Australian television and adapted well to the show's rapid production pace, which he felt enhanced his acting abilities. Rory was presented as a new "bad boy" and member of the River Boys surf gang, engaging in rivalries with other local groups. Orpin emphasized the depth beneath Rory’s tough demeanor and underscored themes of love and loyalty woven into his narrative. Additionally, Rory became romantically linked to Felicity Newman. His storyline culminated on 31 July 2024 when Rory was arrested for the murder of a police officer, marking Orpin’s departure from the series.
Perri Hayes
Perri Hayes, portrayed by Cantona Stewart, first appeared on 10 July 2024. Stewart’s casting was announced concurrently in July, introducing Perri as a "troubled teenager" enrolled in Tane Parata’s youth program designed for young people with legal issues. Characterized as a "street-smart yet vulnerable and self-assured youth," Perri's storyline delves into cultural identity, mirroring Stewart’s own Māori background and his experiences growing up distanced from traditional Māori culture. Tane acts as a mentor figure, guiding Perri through personal challenges related to his heritage.
Abigail Fowler
Abigail "Abby" Fowler, portrayed by Hailey Pinto, debuted on 8 August 2024 as the fourth addition to the Fowler family since 2022. Pinto secured this role shortly after signing with an acting agency, marking her first significant acting opportunity. Abigail is depicted as lively, bold, strong-willed, and grappling with internal struggles. Her arrival coincides with Eden and Cash Newman's engagement celebration, where her unsettling conduct hints at deeper personal issues. Pinto's portrayal earned her a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2025.
Claudia Salini
Claudia Salini, enacted by Rachael Carpani, appeared from 29 August 2024 onward. Carpani was attracted to this role due to its creation by script executive Louise Bowes, renowned for her work on McLeod's Daughters, where Carpani previously starred. Claudia is introduced as a pragmatic businesswoman who becomes involved with the Morgan family after a car accident. She holds Justin Morgan and Theo Poulos accountable for defective brakes that caused her injury and plans to pursue legal action for negligence. Carpani highlighted that Claudia’s anger is warranted considering she has been immobilized in an arm cast for six weeks.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January | Sabrina | Harriet Gordon-Anderson | Leader of SES coordinating the search efforts for Eden Fowler at Crystal Gorge; collaborates closely with Cash Newman and Felicity Newman to organize teams and analyze evidence. |
| 15 January | ICU Nurse | Louis Henbest | Supervises Remi Carter’s medical care following sedation; manages extubation process and transfer from intensive care after Levi Fowler downgraded Remi’s status. |
| 19 February | Montana Kennedy | Millie Ford | Social media influencer performing community service under Rose Delaney’s supervision; initially resistant but ultimately contributes positively, illustrating themes of redemption and responsibility. |
| 20 February–25 April | Imogen Fowler | Georgia Blizzard | Levi Fowler’s spouse; interacts with Eden Fowler discussing family matters; supports Levi during his reintegration into Summer Bay. |
| 22 February–11 April | Baby Maia/Poppy Rickard | Various | Infant found by Tane Parata; temporarily placed in foster care before reuniting with mother Sonia Rickard; storyline emphasizes foster care system and family reunification. |
| 4–11 April | Sonia Rickard | Olivia Beardsley | Mother of Poppy Rickard; returns to reclaim custody following hospital incident involving Tane Parata. |
| 4 April– | Officer Reynolds | Drew Wilson | Police constable engaged in investigations concerning Poppy Rickard’s removal and subsequent events including arrests tied to local disputes. |
| 10 April– | Sergeant Callan | Grant Lyndon | Senior police officer directing law enforcement activities in Yabbie Creek; manages prominent cases including investigation of Tane Parata and media relations. |
| 17 April–6 June | Nelson Giles | Mahesh Jadu | Film director collaborating with Stevie Marlow; develops romantic connection with Bree Cameron; exits following tragic on-set incidents that drive plot development. |
| 17 April–29 May | Sidney Wickham | Joshua McElroy | Antagonist stalking Stevie Marlow; responsible for her death; actions trigger major storylines involving law enforcement response and community impact. |
| 5 June–2 July | Iluka Hudson | Dion Williams | Mali Hudson’s brother engaged in criminal behavior leading to conflicts with the Allen family; central figure in a hostage crisis affecting multiple characters. |
| 10 June–9 July | Bronte Langford | Stefanie Caccamo | Fraudster exploiting Irene Roberts’ kindness through false illness claims; narrative addresses deception, trust issues, and recovery after exposure. |
| 20–27 June | Nat Allen | Claire Lovering | Member of the Allen family seeking justice following Iluka Hudson’s theft; involved in violent encounters resolved by police intervention. |
| Gordie Allen | Brandon McClelland | ||
| Campbell Allen | John Harding | ||
| 27 June–30 July | David 'Dingo' Lewis | JK Kazzi | Member of the River Boys gang supporting Mali Hudson amid conflicts with local criminal groups. |
| 18 July 2024, 25 June 2025– | James "Jimmy" Fowler | Aaron Jeffery | Father of Eden and Levi Fowler; returns to Summer Bay addressing family estrangement and complex relationships, contributing to ongoing character arcs. |
| 21 August–25 September | Carl Hayes | Matthew Holmes | Father of Perri Hayes; involvement in criminal activities leads to fatal incident impacting Perri’s legal case. |
| 19–26 September | Michelle Bowden | Mercy Cornwall | Recipient of Felicity Newman's organ donation; engages with Cash Newman offering closure while exploring themes of loss and gratitude. |
| 24 September | Eric Salini | Cameron Pascoe | Claudia Salini’s husband; introduces conflict through allegations affecting Justin Morgan’s personal life. |
| 3 October– | Tim Russell | George Pullar | Therapist to Abigail Fowler who initiates a relationship with Eden Fowler, expanding interpersonal dynamics within the community. |
| 17–18 October | } | Hannah Waterman | Judicial official presiding over Perri Hayes’ murder trial; key figure in legal resolutions within the storyline. |
| 17–24 October | } | Akina Edmonds | Mother of Perri Hayes; provides crucial testimony influencing trial outcomes and facilitating family reconciliation efforts. |
| 11 November 2024–6 February 2025 | } | Ellie Gall | Former patient of Tim Russell contributing to therapeutic narrative arcs. |
| 14 November 2024 – 15 January 2025 | } | Mandy Bishop | Medical professional overseeing Harper Matheson’s post-operative care including critical maternity treatments. |