Therese Bray
Svetlanka Ristic
Svetlanka Ristic, brought to life by Deidre Rubenstein, is the authoritative mother of Liljana Bishop who made her debut on 13 February 2004. Together with her husband, she owned a vineyard located in Perth. Upon visiting Erinsborough, Svetlanka anticipated that Liljana's family was prospering but instead uncovered financial difficulties and discovered Serena Bishop's involvement in precarious modelling assignments. She tries to emotionally manipulate Liljana and later pretends to be ill, though these attempts prove unsuccessful. Svetlanka threatens to expose family secrets, including Liljana’s teenage pregnancy, a situation where David Bishop stands firmly by Liljana’s side.
When Svetlanka reappears offering a $100,000 sum to the family, it generates friction between Liljana and David. She briefly forms a connection with Harold Bishop, sharing a kiss, but leaves following escalating family disputes. Upon Luka Dokich’s arrival as he searches for his biological parents, Svetlanka attempts to discourage his belief that he was adopted. After Liljana experiences liver failure, Svetlanka discloses that Luka is actually her son and a compatible donor for a transplant. She cautions Serena against pursuing a relationship with Luka due to their kinship, which Serena later makes public knowledge. Following Liljana’s rejection of her, Svetlanka plans her return to Perth. Though unable to attend the funeral after the tragic plane crash that claims her daughter’s family, Svetlanka remains an influential presence within the family narrative.
Gus Cleary
Gus Cleary, portrayed by Ben Barrack, entered the series on 17 February 2004 as an acquaintance of Max Hoyland. Originating from an affluent background, Gus battles mental health challenges and schizophrenia, which manifest in unpredictable behavior including attempts to manipulate the Hoyland household and undermine Max’s professional efforts. After losing his job on an oil rig due to incompetence, Gus arrives in Erinsborough and stirs upheaval by sedating Max and exerting control over those around him.
He becomes involved romantically with Izzy Hoyland; however, his controlling nature unsettles her. Gus’s mental condition worsens, leading to his commitment in a psychiatric facility. He makes a brief return before vanishing following a confrontation with Max. Ultimately, Gus is killed by Paul Robinson during the Lassiter's fire incident; his demise is revisited in subsequent storylines through flashback sequences.
Allan Steiger
Senior Sergeant Allan Steiger, enacted by Joe Clements, first appeared on 4 March 2004 portraying a police sergeant and instructor in self-defence. His role expanded with the introduction of his daughter Pepper Steiger and his romantic relationship with Janelle Timmins.
Allan is depicted as a committed law enforcement officer focused on community protection, leading investigations into significant events such as the Lassiter's fire and various criminal cases involving residents like David Bishop and Paul Robinson. He conducts self-defence workshops for local women and oversees undercover assignments involving Dylan and Stingray Timmins.
After learning that his former wife Christine Rodd identifies as a lesbian, Allan embarks on a new romance with Janelle Timmins. He provides support to Janelle during family hardships and proposes marriage before accepting a position in the Solomon Islands. Allan’s storyline culminates with their wedding and their departure from Ramsay Street.
Stingray Timmins
Stingray Timmins, portrayed by Ben Nicholas, made his first appearance on 11 March 2004 as the youngest child of Janelle and Kim Timmins. Nicholas secured the role soon after his audition, considering his entry into Neighbours a significant step in his acting career.
Tom Scully
Tom Scully, played by Andrew Larkins, was introduced on 5 May 2004 as the younger sibling of Joe Scully and a Catholic priest who develops a romantic relationship with Susan Kennedy. This controversial affair became a prominent plotline during 2004.
Tom eventually leaves the priesthood to be with Susan but decides to leave after acknowledging their fundamental differences. He returns in 2007 as the Principal of Erinsborough High, where his presence causes friction with Susan and Karl Kennedy, though their conflicts resolve amicably when he resigns to visit family in Ireland.
Olivia McPherson
Olivia "Mac" McPherson, enacted by Silvia de Crespigny, debuted on 3 June 2004 as a police officer romantically linked to Jack Scully and Stuart Parker. Olivia is characterized as a spirited yet troubled officer who succumbs to corruption driven by drug addiction.
Her narrative includes orchestrating staged robberies to finance her lifestyle, manipulating those around her, and ultimately admitting her wrongdoings before exiting the police force. Olivia’s dual involvement as both Stuart’s colleague in law enforcement and Jack’s enigmatic lover were key elements of her storyline.
Lana Crawford
Lana Crawford, played by Bridget Neval, first appeared on 31 August 2004 as the first openly lesbian character in Neighbours. Lana made history by sharing the show’s inaugural on-screen lesbian kiss with Sky Mangel and is introduced as Sindi Watts’ cousin.
Luka Dokich
Luka Dokich, portrayed by Keelan O'Hehir, arrived on 14 September 2004 as the son of Liljana Bishop who was given up for adoption at birth. Luka comes searching for his biological family and quickly bonds with his half-sister Serena Bishop.
His storyline revolves around uncovering family secrets hidden by grandmother Svetlanka Ristic and inadvertently becoming involved in an incestuous relationship with Serena before the truth is revealed. After serving as a liver donor for Liljana’s transplant, Luka struggles with acceptance but eventually leaves town seeking support elsewhere.
Jeremy Levi
Jeremy Levi, played by Roger Neave, debuted on 21 September 2004 as a psychiatrist at Erinsborough Hospital. He offers mental health assistance to numerous characters including Izzy Hoyland, Boyd Hoyland (schizophrenia diagnosis), Sindi Watts (paranoia), Stephanie Scully (competency evaluation), Karl Kennedy (sleep disturbances), Paul Robinson (memory recovery), Nicola West (paranoia), Zeke Kinski (fugue state), Miranda Parker (mental health crisis), and supports the Kennedy family during surrogacy assessments.
Lucia Cammeniti
Lucia Cammeniti, portrayed by Maria Mercedes, first appeared on 2 November 2004 as a determined businesswoman overseeing family affairs while her husband Rocco Cammeniti serves time in prison. She is mother to Rosetta, Rosaria, and Carmella Cammeniti.
Lucia maintains strict control over her daughters’ lives—particularly arranging Rosetta’s marriage—and challenges Carmella’s relationships to protect the family business interests. Her recurring appearances emphasize her role as a powerful matriarch managing complex family dynamics within Ramsay Street.
Janelle Timmins
Janelle Timmins, played by Nell Feeney, made her debut on 11 November 2004 as the head of the Timmins household—mother to Dylan, Stingray, Janae, and Bree Timmins—and is portrayed as a grounded country woman with working-class origins.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 January 2004–30 July 2007 | Stanford Mundy | Michael Quinn | Stanford, a surgeon at Erinsborough Hospital and associate of Karl Kennedy, performs a paternity test for Paul Robinson and Oliver Barnes, confirming no biological relation between them. |
| 4 April | Ryan Swan | Patrick Williams | On the opening day of Duck Hunting Season, Ryan visits a nearby lake with his father John. Sky Mangel identifies John as the man responsible for her mother's death during a protest, leading to a tense encounter. John reflects on his past actions and has since abandoned hunting. |
| 6 April | Sally Jeffries | Isabella Stephenson | Sally, the younger sibling of Lisa Jeffries, marks her birthday with Gus Cleary performing as a clown, although his performance fails to delight the guests. |
| 13 April 2004–14 January 2005 | Madeleine Lee | Madison Lu | Madeleine, daughter of Lori Lee and Connor O'Neill, requires surgery due to a severe ear infection. Connor funds the procedure as Lori struggles to manage the situation. |
| 4 June 2004–2 February 2005 | Krystal | Estelle Andrewartha | As a personal trainer, Krystal coaches David Bishop and later persuades Boyd Hoyland to compete in a bodybuilding contest, offering growth hormones. Boyd withdraws after realizing her deceit. |
| 28 June–5 July | Therese Bray | Susan Turner | Therese is employed at the local Catholic church but resigns after overhearing private conversations involving Tom Scully and Susan Kennedy. |
| 28 July 2004–25 February 2005 | Caleb Wilson | Joss Kasper | Caleb, son of a wealthy businessman, dates Summer Hoyland but ends their relationship after pressuring her to take it further. |
| 6, 13 September | Krishneel Nand | Curtis Fernandez | Nina Tucker's assistant who coordinates arrangements for Jack Scully during his visit with Nina. |
| 13–14 September 2004, 7 December 2021–present |
Rhonda Del Rubio | Rebekah Robertson | Legal representative for Karl Kennedy during his divorce, later providing marriage counseling to Paul Robinson and Terese Willis. Rhonda also supports Toadie Rebecchi’s family and other clients facing personal difficulties. |
| 15 September–19 October | Travis Dean | Adrian Foley | Travis intimidates and assaults Boyd Hoyland over poster disputes, escalating to arson. Boyd records Travis’s confession leading to his arrest; however, Travis drops excessive force charges following advice from Toadfish Rebecchi. |
| 27 September–30 November | Brendan Bond | Michael Wahr | Brendan dates Lana Crawford but reacts adversely when she reveals her attraction to women, resulting in homophobic remarks that prompted complaints from UK viewers. |
| 7 October | 'Buffy Only' | 'Laura Gordon' | Editor of the underground gay publication Leichen, Buffy meets with Sky Mangel and Lana Crawford about their comic strip submission and briefly dates Lana. |
| '17–29 November' | 'Nick Sullivan' | 'Angus Grant' | Lori Lee’s new partner who clashes with Connor O'Neill over family issues; departs for Adelaide after Lori ends their relationship. |
| '24 November 2004–1 February 2005' | 'Doreen Cassidy' | 'Anne Phelan' | Sister to Charlie Cassidy; she helps facilitate family reconciliation during Charlie’s final days and encourages Michael to overcome guilt regarding their estrangement. |
| '1 December 2004–12 January 2005' | 'Georgina Harris' | 'Adrienne Smith' | Georgina invites Lana Crawford to attend the school formal; they develop a connection before Lana returns to Canada. |
| '10 December 2004–1 February 2005' | 'Michael Cassidy' | 'David Paterson' | Charlie Cassidy’s son who faces family conflicts following his father’s death but eventually reconciles with Lyn Scully and Stephanie Scully. |