Trey Palmer (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| 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 outlines the characters introduced throughout 2009, arranged chronologically by their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 22nd season was broadcast from 19 January to 27 November 2009. Early in the year, January saw the arrival of Gina and Hugo Austin; February introduced Robert Cruze, Trey Palmer, Freya Duric, and Joey Collins. March featured Liam Murphy and John Palmer, while April welcomed Lachie Cladwell and David Gardiner. In June, May Stone joined the cast; July marked the birth of Harry Holden alongside the introduction of the Walker family members (Sid, Dexter, and Indigo). August brought detective Robert Robertson, and September closed out the year's new characters with Romeo Smith.
Gina Austin
Gina Austin, played by Sonia Todd, made her debut on 27 January 2009 and departed on 18 April 2013. According to the official series website, Gina is a committed mother who has come to terms with past errors involving her oldest and youngest sons but maintains strength without dwelling on self-pity. Industry descriptions portray her as a down-to-earth, affectionate woman who places family above her own ambitions. Todd emphasizes that Gina’s identity is deeply rooted in her role as a mother to three boys.
Hugo Austin
Hugo Austin, portrayed by Bernard Curry, first appeared on 27 January 2009. He exited on 26 January 2010, returned briefly on 6 May 2010, and left again on 9 June 2010. Curry, who had previously acted in rival soap Neighbours, praised his experience working on Home & Away, highlighting its enjoyable challenges. Hugo is depicted as an outdoors enthusiast with a toned physique and sun-kissed complexion.
Robert Cruze
Robert "Robbo" Cruze, enacted by Aidan Gillett, arrived on-screen on 1 February 2009. Robbo was employed alongside Aden Jefferies and Joey Collins on a boat, frequently antagonizing Joey due to her sexual orientation. His hostility escalated when he pushed Joey into the water, followed by an attempted sexual assault and intimidation to keep her silent. After Joey reported him, Robbo violently confronted her, attempting to drown her before being arrested. He faced charges and did not make any subsequent appearances.
Trey Palmer
Trey Palmer, brought to life by Luke Bracey, first appeared on 9 February 2009. Despite his innocent looks, Trey quickly became known for his disruptive antics that unsettled viewers. His storyline included several contentious plots, notably a sex tape scandal mirroring a real-life event involving Lincoln Lewis—who portrays Trey's adversary, Geoff Campbell.
Trey arrives in Summer Bay as a student who bullies local youths, targeting Jai Fernandez with racist remarks and clashing frequently with school staff. He harbors animosity toward his stepfather, John Palmer, which fuels ongoing disputes. Trey also antagonizes Miles Copeland but begins to mellow under Kirsty's influence; however, after she rejects him, tensions rise again, leading Trey to threaten legal action against Miles—a case he later withdraws.
As his storyline progresses, Trey enters a relationship with Nicole Franklin. After becoming intimate, they produce a sex tape which Trey maliciously distributes, damaging Nicole's reputation. His anger intensifies until he commits a violent act: holding up a school bus and detonating a bomb during a field trip that seriously injures student Hugo Austin. This results in Trey's arrest for attempted murder.
Freya Duric
Freya Duric, brought to life by Sophie Hensser, made her first appearance on 10 February 2009.
In 2009, the series explored two lesbian narratives, one of which involved Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and Freya, whose kiss led to viewer complaints. James described their relationship as Freya embodying Nicole’s untamed side—something Nicole recognizes but tends to downplay. Freya’s kiss serves as a declaration of her feelings, prompting Nicole to confront the dullness she has fallen into.
Freya arrives with the intention of reigniting her romance with Xavier Austin. Although he initially resists due to his commitment to Ruby Buckton, Freya manages to seduce him. Gina cautions Xavier about Freya, but despite warnings, their affair continues as Freya causes disruption around Summer Bay. She becomes involved in drug dealing and persuades Xavier to distribute drugs at Summer Bay High. Following a confrontation with Nicole, Freya publicly kisses her to demonstrate she is far from dull, which angers Geoff who accuses her of manipulation. Freya exploits Xavier for personal gain but soon loses interest and kisses his brother Hugo, unaware that Xavier witnesses this act. Hugo ends things with her, leading to Freya’s swift departure.
Joey Collins
Joey Collins, portrayed by Kate Bell, first appeared on 12 February 2009.
The producers introduced Joey to develop a lesbian storyline with Charlie Buckton (Esther Jackie Anderson) aimed at increasing viewership. Over five weeks, their friendship deepens into a romantic relationship featuring intimate moments. Executive producer Cameron Welsh noted Joey’s strong audience reception and hinted at a possible return.
Joey works alongside Aden Jefferies and Robbo Cruze on a boat. Robbo subjects her to harassment that escalates into an attempted sexual assault, which Joey reports despite Robbo’s denial and skepticism from her brother Brett, who disapproves of her sexuality and expels her from home. Charlie offers support and shelter to Joey.
Robbo’s harassment intensifies until he tries to drown Joey but is stopped by Charlie, who then has him arrested. Charlie and Joey embark on a secret relationship that eventually becomes public amid homophobic reactions. Charlie grapples with her sexual identity and job pressures, causing strain between them. Ultimately, Joey departs for another position after an emotional goodbye.
Liam Murphy
Liam Murphy, acted by Axle Whitehead, appeared first on 5 March 2009. Musician and TV presenter Whitehead earned the role through auditioning; Liam was originally intended for just fifteen episodes. Whitehead described Liam as a rebellious rocker and drew upon his own experiences to portray the character’s struggles with substance abuse.
Brendan Austin
Brendan Austin, portrayed by Kain O'Keeffe, debuted on 25 March 2009. After collaborating with other cast members, O'Keeffe was cast as part of the Austin family, with Brendan’s autism creating tension between his brothers Xavier and Hugo.
Brendan arrives in Summer Bay accompanied by his mother Gina. During Hugo’s absence, Xavier had been looking after Brendan, which caused resentment between the siblings. Initially withdrawn, Brendan begins socializing thanks to encouragement from Xavier’s girlfriend Ruby Buckton. While under Martha MacKenzie’s care, Brendan repeatedly runs away, including an incident where he hurled a brick at Roman Harris’s blue car, causing a severe accident that left Roman blind. Xavier initially accepts responsibility but Roman later decides against pressing charges after understanding Brendan’s condition. Brendan’s fear of blue cars stems from witnessing a previous accident involving Hugo.
Brendan mentions having a girlfriend named Ruby Leeds who has Down syndrome, which initially confuses Ruby Buckton. He later visits family accompanied by Ruby Leeds. Despite Gina’s reservations about Brendan living independently, after he heroically rescues Xavier from drowning, she consents to him moving into sheltered accommodation and attending an educational facility. Brendan briefly returns believing Hugo has died but discovers he is alive. After Gina's death in 2013, it was noted that Brendan would not attend her funeral due to his grief.
John Palmer
John Palmer, brought to life by Shane Withington, made his first appearance on 27 March 2009 as the stepfather of Trey Palmer. Withington, who previously appeared in A Country Practice, joined Home and Away in a recurring guest capacity. The character is characterized as a "strict father" figure and is involved with the local surf lifesaving club.
Claudia Hammond
Claudia Hammond, portrayed by Alexandra Park, was introduced on 10 April 2009. Her storyline includes entering a romantic relationship with Geoff Campbell, disclosing her pregnancy, and becoming trapped alongside Geoff in a caravan fire after they share an intimate night. Series producer Cameron Welsh highlighted the intricacies of Claudia’s pregnancy plot, particularly her initial dishonesty regarding the paternity.
Claudia works alongside Geoff on the farm, gradually developing romantic feelings that lead to dating. Following their intimate encounter and the subsequent fire, Claudia reveals her pregnancy but maintains that her former partner, Lachie, is not the father. Lachie attempts to rekindle their relationship but faces rejection.
As conflict intensifies between Geoff and Lachie, Geoff injures Lachie during a football match, resulting in temporary paralysis. Overcome with guilt, Claudia confesses that Lachie is indeed the father. Geoff responds with anger and expels her from his life; meanwhile, Lachie seeks reconciliation but resorts to aggression. Ultimately, Claudia chooses to leave both men behind and relocates to live with her cousin in Dubbo.
Lachie Cladwell
Lachie Cladwell, enacted by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 4 May 2009. He is Claudia Hammond’s (Alexandra Park) former boyfriend. After several breakups, Lachie returns aiming to win Claudia back but eventually agrees to respect her wishes. When Claudia announces her pregnancy but initially denies Lachie’s paternity, tension arises with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Following a violent incident during a rugby game, Lachie is hospitalized with concerns over possible paralysis. Claudia then admits that Lachie is the father, escalating the conflict further. Lachie hopes to establish a family with Claudia; however, she rejects him and departs Summer Bay for good.
The Daily Record commented on Geoff’s mounting frustration culminating in hostility directed toward Lachie throughout this storyline.
David Gardiner
David "Gardy" Gardiner, played by Jeremy Sims, made his debut on 13 May 2009. His portrayal was noted for being both compelling and unsettling, injecting tension through manipulative and criminal actions.
Gardy intrudes into the home of his blind military comrade Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), causing distress for Roman’s daughter Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) and her friend Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds). Although initially tolerated, Gardy instigates disputes including a fight involving local residents and attempts hazardous treatments to restore Roman’s sight. Once Roman regains his vision, Gardy coerces him into robbing a liquor store, an act that triggers a heart attack in an elderly woman. When confronted about his inappropriate behavior toward Nicole, Gardy threatens to implicate Roman.
Gardy escalates his criminal conduct by robbing the Palmer residence and taking Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) and Jenena Palmer (Anna Lise Phillips) hostage. It emerges that Gardy blackmails Roman over a military-related incident from their past. Planning a warehouse burglary in Mangrove River, Gardy is foiled by police tipped off by Roman. During the ensuing shootout, Roman is injured while Gardy pursues him. Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) arrives but becomes another hostage. Despite Hugo Austin’s unsuccessful intervention, Roman manages to incapacitate Gardy by shooting him in the leg. Wounded, Gardy flees into a creek and vanishes from the storyline.
This narrative arc underscored themes of blackmail, violence, and criminal coercion within the series’ dramatic framework.
May Stone
May Stone, brought to life by Alin Sumarwata, first appeared on 12 June 2009 as a newly appointed teacher at Summer Bay High. She soon embarks on a romantic relationship with Angelo Rosetta, who is secretly involved with Charlie Buckton. Esther Anderson, the actress behind Charlie, clarified that Charlie never intended to cause May pain despite the complications. The Daily Record highlighted Angelo's lack of sensitivity and May's emotional turmoil following their breakup.
May quickly becomes part of the local community and starts dating Angelo. However, Angelo realizes his lingering feelings for Charlie and secretly reunites with her. After deciding to be honest, Angelo ends things with May. When May uncovers the truth about Angelo’s affair with Charlie, she promptly resigns from her teaching position and departs from Summer Bay.
Harry Holden
Harry Jack Holden, introduced on 30 July 2009, is the child of Rachel Armstrong and Tony Holden. After his birth, Rachel faces difficulties bonding due to Harry’s persistent crying and even contemplates smothering him before seeking support. Tension arises when Jane Avent blames Rachel for her own baby’s stillbirth and abducts Harry, triggering a police search. Harry is eventually returned safely to his parents after Jane's actions come to light.
In August 2010, Harry moves to Boston alongside Rachel and Tony, making a brief stop at his half-brother Jack’s gravesite before leaving.
Sid Walker
Sid Walker, portrayed by Robert Mammone, made his debut on 30 July 2009 under a five-week guest contract. Owing to favorable audience feedback, Sid, together with Indigo and Dexter, was brought back as a permanent character in June 2010.
Dexter Walker
Dexter Walker, originally played by Tom Green starting 30 July 2009, underwent recasting in 2010 when Charles Cottier took over the role. Cottier noted a change in how the character was depicted and chose not to view Green’s earlier portrayal. One significant storyline featured Dexter’s relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), which Cottier described as both thrilling and demanding because of the notable age gap between the characters.
Indigo Walker
Indigo Walker, enacted by Samara Weaving, first appeared on 30 July 2009 as part of the newly introduced Walker family: father Sid (Robert Mammone), mother Jody (Victoria Haralabidou), son Dexter, and herself. The family exited the show in September 2009 but made a return in June 2010. Weaving mentioned that managing the comeback was easier alongside her other professional obligations.
Robert Robertson
Robert Robertson, portrayed by Socratis Otto, arrived on screen on 2 August 2009. Created by James Walker for a murder-related plotline, Robertson was crafted to blend serious themes with humor, acting as a multifaceted detective capable of involving several characters in investigations. Otto drew inspiration from eccentric investigator archetypes and utilized his comedic talents to develop the role.
As a police detective investigating the murder of Grant Bledcoe, Ruby Buckton’s (Rebecca Breeds) biological father, Robertson initially suspects Ruby’s mother Charlie but later discovers that her father Ross (David Downer) is responsible. Recognized for his quirky personality and storytelling flair, Robertson also proves to be an effective law enforcement officer. He pursues a romantic relationship with Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), but Leah declines his advances.
Returning to investigate the disappearance of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), Robertson teams up with Detective Graves (Eryn Jean Norvill) and focuses suspicion on Alf as the main suspect. Despite multiple arrests, he fails to obtain conclusive evidence. Robertson attempts to revive his relationship with Leah; however, she rejects him due to unresolved feelings for her former boyfriend Elijah Johnson (Jay Laga'aia). Pressuring Will Smith (Zac Drayson) into implicating Alf leads to Alf’s arrest, but when Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) exposes Will’s false testimony, Robertson must release Alf and charge Will instead.
Feeling professionally compromised, Robertson confides in Leah about losing touch with his identity; she reassures him that errors are part of being human. Offered a promotion in the city, he invites Leah and her son to join him, but she declines.
Romeo Smith
Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell, made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. Mitchell landed this role after moving to Sydney while unemployed. Romeo is depicted as charming, witty, attractive, and courteous. His family on the show consists of his sister Mink Carpenter (Matylda Buczko) and his mother Jill Carpenter (Josephine Mitchell). After his relationship with Annie Campbell, Romeo’s most notable romantic involvement is with Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving).
Additional Characters
| Appearance Dates | Character | Actor | Character Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 January | Bank Manager | Christopher Saunders | Detects unauthorized attempts by Bridget Simmons to access Leah Patterson-Baker's bank account. |
| 30 January–6 October | Don Gibson | Steve Anderson | Collaborates with Aden on a fishing boat; involved in illicit abalone dealings; frames Aden and is subsequently arrested; provides intelligence on Hugo. |
| 2–6 February | Steve Hogan | Damien Freeglass | Police officer conducting a short investigation in Summer Bay. |
| 3 February | Lawyer | Blair Cutting | Legal counsel representing Angelo Rosetta. |
| 4 February–25 January 2010 | Lou De Bono | David Roberts | Dates Irene Roberts; perishes at sea; Irene is initially suspected of murder. |
| 9–10 February | Archie Maddock | Tim Phillipps | Homeless individual who protects Melody Jones and aids in her safety. |
| 10 February | Thug | Zen Ledden | Assailant of Melody Jones and Archie Maddock. |
| 19 February | Mryll Ramsay | Kim Hillas | Local resident refusing to give an interview to safeguard the elderly care facility. |
| 19–25 February | Audrey Long | Wendy Playfair | Grandmother of Melody Jones; dies from a stroke. |
| 3–19 March | George | Benjamin O'Donnell | Participant in a speed dating event; briefly connects with Leah. |
| 9 March–29 July | Brett Collins | Toby Levins | Older sibling to Joey Collins; initially disapproves of her sexuality but later makes amends; holds Charlie Buckton responsible for family conflicts. |
| 16 March–26 January 2010 | Derrick Quaid | John Atkinson | Survivor of a shipwreck involved in people smuggling alongside Hugo Austin and Suzy Sudiro; assaults Geoff Campbell and Nicole Franklin; eventually apprehended. |
| 19 March–13 November | Jerry Thibault | Nicholas Cassim | Employer at the newspaper where Belle works; engages in an affair with Paula Gill causing workplace tension. |
| 19 March | Tanya Gannon | Hayley McCarthy | Ex-partner of Robert Cruze who files an assault complaint; suffers injuries in a hit-and-run upon arrival. |
| 20 March | Paula Gill | Paula Arundell | Colleague involved romantically with Jerry Thibault; bullies Belle over concerns about addiction. |
| 23 March–23 November | Donna De Bono | Suzie MacKenzie | Estranged spouse of Lou De Bono; attempts to implicate Irene Roberts in Lou’s death. |
| 23 April | Chelsea Murphy | Georgia Gorman | Wife of Liam Murphy; endures media scrutiny due to Liam’s drug problems; divorces and moves to Paris with their son Ash. |
| 23–28 April | Ash Murphy | Dusty Piper | Child of Liam and Chelsea Murphy. |
| 1–2 June | Jenena Palmer | Anna Lise Phillips | Mother to Trey and spouse of John Palmer. |
| 13 June–13 July | Clint Mailer | Matt Zeremes | Rugby coach who pressures Aden Jefferies into sabotaging Geoff Campbell’s career under threat of being dropped from the team. |
| 14 July–18 August | Jane Avent | Felicity Price | Grieving mother blaming Rachel Armstrong for a stillbirth; kidnaps Rachel's son Harry before admitting she needs help. |
| 14 July–18 August | Rex Avent | Sandy Winton | Jane Avent's husband; initially defends her kidnapping but later accepts her condition. |
| 14 July–26 January 2010 | Wayan Rahardjo | Dorje Swallow | Hospital patient who does not speak English, connected to Hugo Austin’s smuggling operation; used as bait by Angelo Rosetta. |
| 20–21 July | Paul | Thomas Norrie | Minor role as an extra in Summer Bay scenes. |
| 23 July–18 August | Squirt | Ben Davy-Thorburn | Friend and coworker of Aden Jefferies; attends Aden’s stag party. |
External links
- Present-day cast and characters on the Official Home and Away site
- Current cast and characters featured at Holy Soap
| Appearance Dates | Character | Actor | Character Description |
|---|