Tracey Thompson

Home and Away

Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced during 2006, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 19th season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Significant new additions included Amy Mathews as Rachel Armstrong in January, Jessica Tovey portraying Belle Taylor in February, Sam North as Dom Moran in April, alongside Rodger Corser and Trent Baines who played Doctors Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie. In July, Bobby Morley joined as Drew Curtis, with Chris Sadrinna appearing as Rachel's brother Brad Armstrong. October saw the arrival of Jessica Chapnik as Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings—Rocco and Johnny—portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey, respectively.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, played by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, resulting in the exit of both Rachel and her on-screen spouse, Tony Holden. Rachel is characterized by keen intuition, a resilient mindset, strong independence, and firm principles. Mathews described her character as sociable, entertaining, romantically inclined, and remarkably resilient. For this role, Mathews earned the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel’s prominent story arcs involved being held hostage by a cult that forced her to give birth, a plotline that captivated audiences with its intensity.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, portrayed by Jessica Tovey, was introduced on 3 February 2006. Her major storylines encompassed uncovering her biological mother, struggling with drug addiction, her romantic involvement with Aden Jefferies, and confronting a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the series in 2009, with Belle’s storyline concluding on 11 August that year. This role marked Tovey’s television debut at age 18.

Belle was depicted as a spirited and outgoing young woman who harbored insecurities rooted in a strict and controlling upbringing. She sought affection absent from her parents and often rebelled against their conservative values.

Tovey received numerous accolades for portraying Belle, including nominations for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards, "Most Popular Actress" in 2010, as well as several Inside Soap Awards nods such as "Sexiest Female" (2007), "Best Actress," and "Best Storyline" for the drug addiction narrative (2009). Belle’s wedding to Aden was shortlisted in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap awards. Furthermore, the episode depicting Belle’s funeral garnered a nomination from the Australian Writer's Guild in 2010.

The pairing of Belle and Aden was celebrated among "Soaps' sexiest couples" by Virgin Media and voted Home and Away's "Hottest Couple" through a viewer poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, made his first appearance on 20 April 2006 and departed the series on 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors. He instigates hazardous pranks aimed at Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), causing Ric injuries on two occasions—initially with battery acid and subsequently with a defective jack that nearly results in fatal harm. Dom also targets Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) with harassment, which provokes a physical response from her. Due to Dom’s irresponsible behavior, Ray dismisses him from his job.

Returning the following year, Dom supplies illicit car parts to Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) for use in "The Beast" and becomes involved in local drag racing alongside the criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A race involving Denni leads to Lisa Duffy’s death. To evade charges related to stolen parts, Dom sets fire to Drew’s vehicle but consents to assist in exonerating Drew if Belle agrees to kiss him; she reluctantly complies. Dom later admits his wrongdoing and is incarcerated.

After his release, Dom kidnaps Belle. Drew intervenes and rescues her following a pursuit that injures Dom. Subsequently, Dom vanishes but reappears later, leaving Belle a ring. He collapses at the diner; Belle rushes him to the hospital while Drew warns him to stay away. Post-emergency surgery and rehabilitation supported by physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom renews his pursuit of Belle. He takes employment at the diner and mocks Drew for repeating Year 12.

In an effort to separate Dom from Belle, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange an interview for Dom at a city restaurant with Irene’s daughter, Finlay (Tina Thomsen). However, Dom sabotages the opportunity and departs for the city, promising to return for Belle.

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

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, appeared on Home and Away from 5 April 2006 until 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was seen with cast members in Coogee, fueling speculation about a possible comeback since his character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both an old friend and former lover of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). After meeting Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), he asks her out but is ultimately turned down. Returning later, Hugh develops romantic feelings for Rachel, who is married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth) at the time. He becomes her confidant amid marital troubles and even arranges a picnic involving Kim. Hugh’s flirtation with Nurse Julie Cooper results in an awkward dinner date set up by Rachel. When Rachel invites Hugh to stay with her and Kim, tensions escalate following a drunken confession he makes at a medical conference.

Hugh moves out and shares accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). During a night out, he meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but reveals he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him about his feelings; after some hesitation, they share a kiss. When Hugh receives a posting in Johannesburg, he issues Rachel an ultimatum: commit to being with him or he will leave. After she hesitates, he relocates to South Africa. Several months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright)—proposing they meet, but she declines.

Inside Soap readers preferred Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with 57% casting their vote for him.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, made his debut on 7 April 2006 and exited the series on 23 February 2007.

Macca's narrative primarily explores his tumultuous relationship with Cassie Turner (played by Sharni Vinson) and his ongoing pattern of domestic violence towards her. Baines reflected on the character, emphasizing the real-world significance of such issues and the critical need for victims to seek assistance in abusive situations.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca quickly bonds with Cassie through boxing sessions. Despite Martha MacKenzie's concerns about his history with women, he begins dating Cassie. Offered a courier position, Macca intends to leave town but postpones informing Cassie after she reveals her feelings for him. Returning earlier than planned, he rents an apartment above the Beachside Diner. The pressures of his demanding job lead him to substance abuse, which Ric Dalby uncovers and confronts him about. Cassie also learns of his drug use, resulting in violent episodes where Macca apologizes yet continues the abuse, which intensifies as jealousy over Cassie's friendship with Ric grows.

Following a confrontation by Sally Fletcher, Macca turns himself in and seeks rehabilitation. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he arrives during an explosion and rescues Jack before sustaining injuries himself. He discharges himself from hospital to assist in searching for missing friends, managing to save Ric from falling despite his own condition before departing once everyone is located.

Several months later, Macca reappears claiming to have completed counseling. He resumes an affair with Cassie despite her reconciliation with Ric. After Ric discovers their liaison and attacks Macca, Sally and Alf Stewart intervene, resulting in Macca's eviction from the caravan park. Briefly staying with Amanda Vale, who expresses romantic interest, Macca declines her advances. Offered a desk job in the city by his employer, he plans to relocate with Cassie despite Sally's objections. However, Cassie returns to Summer Bay due to local emergencies involving Sally and Ric. When Macca attempts to convince her to leave again, he assaults her once more before surrendering to the authorities.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, first appeared on 7 July 2006 and departed on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining the cast, Morley had roles including one in Angels with Dirty Faces and was subsequently cast by Home and Away talent scouts. Although older than the character he portrayed, Morley was selected for Drew. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming and adapted to the show's fast-paced production schedule. Morley left at the end of 2007 and later described his experience as feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent scenes without a shirt. The official Home and Away website characterized Drew as "brooding," carrying a "chip on his shoulder the size of Queensland."

Morley received a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics described Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heartthrob," highlighting his appeal among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, played by Chris Sadrinna, debuted on 11 July 2006 and exited on 13 November 2007. Introduced as a supportive presence for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders' death, Brad’s storyline also encompassed personal trials including coping with his mother's tragic passing.

Brad arrives in Summer Bay after losing his mother Elaine. He supports his sister Rachel (Amy Mathews) through their grief and helps arrange their mother’s funeral. Early scenes reveal Brad’s vulnerability, including an incident where he is found unclothed at a friend’s house. He later rescues Sally from a fire, strengthening their connection. Brad marries his girlfriend Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond) in an intimate beach ceremony; tragically, she soon succumbs to leukemia, leaving him heartbroken.

As principal of Summer Bay High, Brad faces challenges managing new students like Rocco Cooper (Ian Meadows) and dealing with conflicts involving Rocco's brother Johnny. After Sally suffers a stabbing attack, their relationship deepens and Brad moves in with her. However, professional difficulties arise when Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece) falsely accuses Brad concerning her relationship with student Lucas Holden (Rhys Wakefield), leading to his suspension.

Despite these setbacks, Brad proposes marriage to Sally; she ultimately jilts him on their wedding day causing him to move out. Later, during a storm at sea alongside colleagues Alf Stewart, Ric Dalby, Dan Baker, and Jack Holden, Brad becomes lost but returns safely. Family complexities surface when Brad and Rachel discover their father Robert had an affair resulting in a half-sister named Tamsyn. After Heather McCabe leaves Tamsyn in their care, Brad assumes full responsibility but loses a job opportunity due to Tamsyn’s behavior. His steady support during Sally’s daughter Pippa’s accident further underscores his role as a dependable figure.

Eventually, Brad chooses to relocate to Tasmania and invites Heather and Tamsyn to join him, marking his exit from the show.

Sadrinna received nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Couple (with Ritchie) at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. The episode where Sally stands Brad up won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008; additionally, the storm-at-sea episode earned a nomination for Best Single Episode at the 2008 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 Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) overrides principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna)’s reservations about Rocco’s gang affiliations, he transfers to Summer Bay High. Sally believes he deserves another chance and supports his enrollment. Rocco quickly earns the respect of the school staff through his commitment, and upon discovering his living circumstances, Sally offers him a place to stay.

Rocco faces pressure from his older brother, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), who insists he stays loyal to their gang, even threatening him with death. Though initially complicit in one of Johnny’s crimes, Rocco ultimately reports him after a staged Credit Union robbery. Under coercion from Johnny, Rocco attacks Sally with a knife; she survives the assault. Johnny continues to intimidate Rocco afterward. When foster son Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) confronts him, Johnny arranges a safehouse for Rocco's protection. Ric later finds Rocco severely beaten there; after spending several days in a coma, Rocco succumbs to his injuries. His burial takes place in an unmarked grave attended only by Sally, Brad, and Johnny under police supervision. Ric is first accused and imprisoned for the murder but is released once Johnny is exposed as responsible.

The plotline featuring Rocco’s stabbing of Sally earned 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 secured the role unexpectedly and left in 2008 to advance her career in the United States. She characterized Sam as deeply self-critical and misunderstood, with a tragic trajectory that seemed destined for failure. Chapnik found it more difficult to justify Sam’s complex nature compared to her other characters.

Eleven Magazine highlighted Sam as a major source of turmoil in Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis of the Sun-Herald labeled her a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, played by Callan Mulvey, appeared from 19 October until 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 for this portrayal.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (born Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) first arrived on screen on 20 October 2006 and exited on 14 April 2008. Initially portrayed by Ed Willis, the role was later assumed by Jack Rickard in 2007.

Rory is introduced through Jack Holden’s relationship with Rory’s mother, Sam Holden. The family lives together until Sam’s kidnapping triggers Rory’s search for her before they leave Summer Bay temporarily. They return after Sam suffers a broken ankle, but Rory is later abducted by his father, Shane Deeks, an escaped prisoner. Shane dies during a police pursuit; Rory is found unharmed and comes to see Jack as a father figure.

Gifted academically, Rory skips ahead to Year 7 but becomes the target of bullying until Aden Jefferies steps in, agreeing to help Rory rig a school election in exchange for assistance. Once discovered, Rory faces detention. During a school excursion, Rory and Annie Campbell become lost but are eventually found.

Rory is overjoyed when Jack and Sam become engaged; however, his enthusiasm leads to unintended consequences such as stealing Jack’s firearm to impress others. After Sam is attacked by Johnny Cooper and later dies, Rory holds Jack responsible and distances himself from the family.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his performance as Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Once part of Mumma Rose’s cult, The Believers, Rebecca exposes the group's manipulative tactics before being abducted. She later aids Tasha and Jonah in escaping, alerts authorities, and then vanishes.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong and escalates to blackmail concerning her relationship with Kim Hyde; Rachel reports him to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case, ultimately sentencing him to a nine-month jail term.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor in Alf Stewart’s trial who also advises Angelo Rosetta on legal issues; present during the trials of Casey Braxton and Sasha Bezmel.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital; handles investigations including Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint and addresses staff misconduct incidents.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; arrives as Regional Director of Emergency Services seeking Rachel’s testimony for a lawsuit related to a previous accident, causing family tension due to hidden motives.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Manager at Ric Dalby’s garage involved in workplace conflicts and disciplinary actions affecting employees such as Dom Moran and Drew Curtis.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother to Rachel and Brad Armstrong who suffers severe amnesia following a car crash caused by Robert Armstrong; later dies from injuries sustained in a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman whose deteriorating health is overseen by Rachel Armstrong; passes away due to an accidental morphine overdose related to her grandson Charlie’s interference.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially withdrawn, Charlie forms connections with Rachel and Kim Hyde but displays obsessive tendencies. After unintentionally causing Doris McKinnon’s death through medication misuse, he abducts Rachel and is placed in psychiatric care.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by her science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to Joe and initially leaves him under Rachel Armstrong’s care before reclaiming custody.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Detective assisting with the Summer Bay stalker investigation; later revealed as an accomplice to stalker Eve Jacobsen before both perish in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother who deceives others about the fate of Amanda’s daughter Belle Taylor for financial benefit; coerced into silence by her other daughter Kelli.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable from Yabbie Creek involved in framing Drew Curtis through blackmail; later charged with arson and bribery offenses.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Adoptive father of Belle Taylor who extorts Kitty Landsdowne to conceal family secrets; rejected by Belle during attempts at reconciliation.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot involved in a crash while transporting key individuals for medical treatment; serves as mediator during emergency events.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Summer Bay High science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; attempts to conceal the scandal but is arrested after threats and kidnapping incidents.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Community member participating in local social activities including aerobics classes and bowls competitions.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault for attention; allegations are disproved resulting in familial disputes and legal consequences.
3–28 August	Mel Harris	Sara Zwangobani	Counselor at a teen retreat supporting Matilda Hunter’s recovery from bulimia; survives an assault by another troubled teen, Vanessa Covacs.
3 August–27 September	' Dean Silverman '	' Gary Brun'	' Teen retreat participant who develops a romantic relationship with Matilda Hunter; faces false arson charges, comes out as gay, and departs on friendly terms.'	'-	3–10 August	"Vanessa Covacs'"	"Emma Terracini"	"Troubled adolescent at retreat exhibiting violent behavior; attempts suicide leading to transfer to specialized care."	"-	18–23 August	"Hal Enpace'"	"Leigh Scully"	"Encourages rebellious Lucas Holden into vandalism causing property damage and conflict."	"-	"Lawrence'"	"Uncredited"	"Companion of Hal Enpace."	"-	21 August–15 September	"Emily Armstrong'"	"Libby Richmond"	"Brad Armstrong’s fiancée who battles leukemia; marries Brad shortly before her death."	"-	21 August–5 September	"Gordon O'Neill'"	"Andrew Tighe"	"Yabbie Creek police superintendent involved in handling sexual assault allegations against Kim Hyde made by his daughter Tara O’Neill."	"-	21 August–10 October	"Ella Hunter'"	"Zoe Littler, Indya Bottomsley, Paris Steen, Matina Commes, Toby Wormer, Jack Thompson"	"Newborn daughter of Tasha Hunter targeted in multiple kidnapping attempts due to cult connections; eventually relocated safely with her parents."	"-	28 August–27 September	"Gareth Westwood'"	"Benjamin Ronczka"	"Initially introduced as Dean Silverman’s brother but later revealed as his partner; they relocate together."	"-	4 September	"Grace Carter'"	"Elaine Smith"	"Ex-wife of Gordon O’Neill who provides evidence disproving false accusations made by her daughter Tara."	"-	16 October	'Dennis Gillen'	'Danny Adcock'	'Criminal adversary seeking vengeance against detective Peter Baker for previous convictions; presumed dead following confrontation.'	'-	17 October–7 February 2007	'Ash Nader'	'Ben Geurens'	'Police officer engaged in an affair with Martha MacKenzie despite being married; leads a double life culminating in relationship breakdown.'	'-	30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	'Joe Morton'	'Declan Ransley, Justin Martin, Olivia Barclay, Sayer Long, Rafferty Grierson, Cooper Brittian, Henry Lucas, Marley Cooke'	'Son of Lee Morton abandoned by his mother and temporarily cared for by Rachel Armstrong; diagnosed with bone cancer and passes away.'	'-	31 October 2008 –	'Dane Smith'	'Cody Kaye'	'Boyfriend of Lee Morton who pressures her regarding their child Joe; later implicated in concerns over child abuse prior to Joe's death.'	'-	27 November–	'Reverend'	'Peter Flett'	'Local clergyman presiding over significant weddings and funerals in Summer Bay including the marriage of Kim Hyde and Rachel Armstrong.'	'-	1 December–7 February 2007	'Rianna Nader'	'Lotte St. Claire'	'Wife of Ash Nader arriving with their children unaware of Ash's infidelity; becomes pregnant again prompting Ash's return.'	'-	'Declan Nader'	'Jack Concoran'		'-	'Jessica Nader'	'Amy Baran'

External links

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