Viv Standish

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a list of characters introduced in 2003, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's sixteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. This year saw the arrival of the Hunter family: Scott (Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), and siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), who appeared between January and November. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, while in November, Maggie Kirkpatrick returned portraying Viv "The Guv" Standish.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, played by Kip Gamblin, made his first appearance on 23 January 2003 and remained until 25 November 2005. Gamblin received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Awards for his portrayal. Linda Barnier from the Newcastle Herald described Scott as a "beefcake," highlighting his introduction atop the horse Jacko as reminiscent of a classic Man from Snowy River scene.

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, formerly Sutherland), portrayed by Clarissa House, debuted on 17 April 2003 and exited on 30 January 2007. According to the official website, Beth is characterized by her open-mindedness, strong ethical principles, and integrity, complemented by a "delicious sense of humour." Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued an episode centered around Beth and Rhys' wedding as appealing mainly to dedicated viewers, describing the storyline as "unengaging" with "painful" dialogue, performances, and music.

Kit Hunter

Kit Hunter, enacted by Amy Mizzi, first appeared on 25 April 2003 and was a regular cast member until February 2004; she later returned in a recurring capacity until 3 July 2007. Although Isabel Lucas initially auditioned for this role, Mizzi ultimately secured it. For her work as Kit, Mizzi earned a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Awards.

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, played by Isabel Lucas, was introduced on 31 July 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Talent scout Sharron Meissner discovered Lucas, who originally tried out for Kit Hunter but was cast instead as Tasha—a character specifically created for her by Series Producer Julie McGuaran. This role required Lucas to move from Melbourne to Sydney for filming purposes. Her performance garnered her the Most Popular New Female Talent award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Brian Courtis of the Sunday Age referred to Tasha as a "Blonde Princess" before her wedding storyline unfolded. The character’s involvement with a cult-like faction known as the Believers prompted criticism from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who condemned the program's depiction of religion as sensationalized and misleading.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, portrayed by Maggie Kirkpatrick, appeared from 11 November 2003 until 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick, previously recognized for her role in Prisoner: Cell Block H, joined during Dani Sutherland’s storyline involving incarceration for attempted murder. Scenes were filmed at the historic Maitland Gaol.

Kirkpatrick described Viv as a former children's court magistrate who was unjustly imprisoned after exposing a pedophile ring that involved judges, lawyers, and politicians. Viv is depicted as both tough and intelligent; Kirkpatrick expressed interest in reprising this role.

Initially intimidating to Dani, Viv eventually develops affection for her, affectionately calling her "princess." When Dani becomes embroiled in an escape scandal, Viv pressures those truly responsible to shield Dani, facilitating her release. Later, Viv confesses to orchestrating an attack on Dani’s stalker, resulting in an extension of her own sentence.

Months afterward, Viv’s health declines due to heart failure and she faces imminent death. She entrusts Dani with her autobiography manuscript, which is destroyed in a fire but subsequently reconstructed. With help from Morag Bellingham, Viv obtains day release and shares an emotional reunion with Morag’s brother, Alf Stewart, revealing she bore his child—a son given up for adoption to Marion and Marianne Dalby from Yabbie Creek. Viv passes away peacefully in Alf’s arms.

It is later revealed that Viv and Alf’s son was Owen Dalby, who died from a heart attack during an altercation with his son Ric.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, brought to life by Jason Smith, made his first appearance on 25 November 2003 and departed the series on 10 October 2006. Chris Hemsworth originally auditioned for this role but was ultimately cast as Kim Hyde. Smith conveyed excitement about portraying Robbie, valuing the character's dynamic nature and the chance to join a well-established program. His portrayal led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2005 Logie Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	Claire oversees the Drop-in Centre during Flynn Saunders' absence, which results in a child welfare inquiry due to misunderstandings involving Noah Lawson and Nick Smith. She leaves after misinterpreting a medical crisis.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	As editor of Northern District University's campus newspaper, Anna briefly dates Noah Lawson, creating friction with Hayley Smith before their relationship ends.
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts surgery on Alf Stewart following his diagnosis with a brain tumour.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	Attends TAFE alongside Irene Roberts, expressing romantic interest that does not develop further.
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Coastal news reporter involved in significant storylines such as the termination of Angie Russell and the heritage listing of the Caravan Park; interacts with reality show contestant Nick Smith.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	Education official who initially challenges Sally Fletcher's appointment as principal but later endorses her interim leadership.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	Former school friend embroiled in legal issues involving accusations against Nick Smith; experiences a mental health crisis following the conflict.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Ex-wife of Scott Hunter, whose arrival complicates Scott's relationship with Dani Sutherland; ultimately accepts their separation.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	Reunites with her mother, Colleen Smart, after a long separation and briefly dates Alf Stewart before moving on.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating the murder of Angie Russell, interrogates suspects and arrests her son Dylan.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Angie Russell’s mother who supports her grandson Dylan amid family upheaval.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	A drug addict cared for by Noah Lawson who succumbs to an overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Player on the local girls' soccer team coached by Alex Poulos.
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Leah Patterson’s eldest brother; involved in familial conflicts and later reconnects through his son residing with Leah.
23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Child of Sophie Simpson and Blake Dean, born during Sally Fletcher's hen night; named after Sophie's former partner David Croft.
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer engaged in various investigations including arrests related to driving offenses and drug possession incidents.
4–9 July	Courtney	Emily Sexton	Reality show contestant planted to stir drama, manipulates fellow contestant Nick Smith resulting in his eviction.
	Damien	Simon Mullard	Reality show contestant antagonistic toward Nick Smith.
11 July 2003 – 10 September 2004	Andrew Hilton	James Camden	Student attending Summer Bay High School.
11 July–17 November	Eloise Lennox	Suzanne McEachern	Enrolls at Summer Bay High, befriends Max Sutherland; terminally ill with leukaemia, passes away after fulfilling final wishes.
11 July–3 October	Mr. Lennox	Christopher Burken	Eloise Lennox’s father; participates in school events including a meal arranged by Max Sutherland.
6 August–15 October	Ross McLuhan	Angelo D'Angelo	Communications lecturer at Northern Districts University; involved in complex interactions with student Dani Sutherland leading to personal conflict.
5 September 2003 – 30 June 2004	Norman Shadbolt	David Whitford	Bookstore owner who dates Colleen Smart; relationship ends following revelations about his mother’s illness and a cancelled engagement.
11 September 2003 – 10 August 2005	Gary Rogers	Leigh Martin	President of Summer Bay High’s P&C committee; advocates for stricter school policies and engages in community disputes regarding police conduct and school incidents.
19 September–21 October	Toby Clark	Richard Kessell	School cleaner who briefly dates Jade Sutherland; conceals family background leading to breakup.
24 September 2003 – 22 November 2012	Gloria Clayton	Maria Matteo	Nurse at Northern Districts hospital frequently appearing alongside nurse Julie Cooper; treats various patients including Kane Phillips.
24 September	Mrs Lennox	Bernadette Cogin	Mother of Eloise Lennox; attends events supporting her daughter’s education.
2–15 October	Baz Fulsome	Stuart Fenton	Drug dealer supplying steroids at surf club gym; implicated in framing Jesse McGregor but later confesses clearing him.
8 October 2003 – 3 May 2004	The Dean	Philip Holder	Dean of Northern Districts University; manages academic integrity concerns and disciplinary actions involving students Noah Lawson and Dani Sutherland.
9 October	Jack Hunter	Ian Lind	Deceased husband of Beth Hunter and father to five children; appears posthumously in family visions during visits to family farm.
13 October	Matt Owen	David Francis	Drifter who steals a motorcycle from Seb Miller causing confusion about Seb's fate after a fatal accident involving Matt.
21 October	Mr. Clark, Mrs. Clark, Jimmy Clark, Toby's Sister (family)	Andrew Hunter, Trudi-Ann Tierney, Will Blackney, Amy Blackney	Jade and Kirsty Sutherland visit Toby Clark’s estranged family while investigating his background.
	22 October 2003–11 June 2004	David Callahan	Felix Williamson / Nicholas Cassim	Fiancé of Shelley Sutherland; represents Dani Sutherland legally but ends engagement due to personal fears related to medical procedures.
		29–31 October	Mr. Robertson	Danny Adcock	Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland's attempted murder trial; conducts aggressive cross-examination leading to a guilty verdict.