Wayne Peterson (Neighbours)
Lisa Elliot
Lisa Elliot, brought to life by Kate Straub, made her first appearance on 27 January 1997. Straub secured the role after being noticed in the audience of Hey Hey It's Saturday, which led to discussions with the Grundy Organisation. She viewed this opportunity as a significant entry into television following her theatre background and was signed on until early 1997. Lisa is presented as a science instructor at Erinsborough High, a character Straub regarded as "a fantastic role to play." The producers opted not to extend her contract, partly due to her limited experience in teaching.
Relocating to Erinsborough for her new educational position, Lisa becomes a tenant at Number 30 Ramsay Street. She builds positive connections with Catherine O'Brien and Sarah Beaumont but endures student pranks. A rivalry develops between Lisa and Sarah over Darren Stark, a mutual romantic interest; however, they eventually reconcile and invite Ben Atkins to join their household.
Lou Carpenter persuades Lisa to take on coaching the netball team, but after losing the final and discovering she has an overactive thyroid, Lisa’s teaching approach comes under question. An inquiry initiated by complaints from student Billy Kennedy leads Lisa to resign, acknowledging that teaching may not be her ideal career. She accepts a research role at a university in Tasmania. Before departing, Ben Atkins shows romantic interest in her, but Lisa leaves following a farewell garage sale.
Tim Buckley
Tim Buckley, portrayed by Dean Francis, first appeared on 27 February 1997. Tim is introduced as a high school student who befriends Michael Martin (Troy Beckwith) and stays with Michael’s family on Ramsay Street. As a reserved teenager, Tim receives tutoring and friendship from his teacher Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). After Susan takes him to the theatre, he misinterprets her kindness as romantic affection and develops a strong crush. Tim eventually kisses Susan and confesses his feelings; however, she gently declines due to their age gap and professional ethics.
Having previously dropped out of school because of his father’s illness, Tim returns to repeat Year 12 while living with the Martins. His older age makes it difficult for him to relate to classmates. When rumors about his feelings for Susan spread, Susan’s husband Karl Kennedy confronts Tim, prompting him to leave town. Susan later convinces him to come back, but Tim struggles to readjust and ultimately departs again after bidding farewell.
Ben Atkins
Ben Atkins (originally known as Christopher Wilkinson), played by Brett Cousins, debuted on 9 April 1997. Cousins had appeared briefly in a prior guest role and expressed astonishment upon landing this part, saying he "could hardly believe it." According to a Daily Record journalist, Ben’s arrival stirred curiosity within the household due to a secret involving Ruth Wilkinson (Ailsa Piper). It was unveiled that Ben was Ruth’s son, conceived when she was just 16 and kept hidden. This storyline received an AFI Award, with Piper commending the episode for its strong character development and compelling plot.
Amy Greenwood
Amy Greenwood, portrayed by Jacinta Stapleton, made her debut on 10 July 1997. Stapleton, who had previously appeared in various television guest roles, referred to Neighbours as "the ultimate training ground." Amy was depicted as "playful," "bold," and "cunning," qualities that Stapleton related to, particularly their shared love for socializing and partying. Shortly after her arrival, Amy entered into a relationship with Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby). A journalist from The Age described Amy as "Ramsay Street's rebellious youngster turned queen of parties, fashion, and gossip."
Matt Compton
Matt Compton, brought to life by Jonathon Kovac, first appeared on 4 September 1997. Kovac was working at Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex when a casting agent for Neighbours discovered him, marking his acting debut. He called the casting experience "exciting" and initially found his storyline "intimidating," especially since he was introduced as a romantic interest for Sarah Beaumont, a character previously unsuccessful in relationships. Matt also stood out as the first police officer to live on Ramsay Street, challenging typical soap opera stereotypes.
Matt applies for the vacant room at Number 30 Ramsay Street and is interviewed by Sarah Beaumont and Ben Atkins. While Ben expresses concerns about living with a policeman, Sarah supports Matt moving in. Early tension arises when Matt issues Ben a fine for an unregistered vehicle, but they soon reconcile. Matt and Sarah begin dating secretly due to their housemate agreement after sharing several kisses. Matt invites Sarah to the police graduation ball; they attend as friends but grow closer during the event. Additionally, Matt develops a friendship with Ben through shared car repairs.
When Matt receives a transfer to Port Campbell, he asks Sarah to accompany him; she declines, resulting in a long-distance relationship. Before leaving, Matt presents Sarah with a friendship ring, and Ben organizes a farewell gathering. Their relationship concludes a few weeks later.
Caitlin Atkins
Caitlin Atkins, enacted by Emily Milburn, arrived on screen on 29 September 1997. Milburn was cast six months following an unsuccessful audition for another part. Caitlin moved to Erinsborough to reunite with her adopted brother, Ben (Brett Cousins). She was portrayed as "headstrong and manipulative," often causing trouble while concealing vulnerability behind a tough exterior. Milburn enjoyed playing the role despite having no personal similarities with Caitlin. Caitlin was also depicted as a competitive swimmer who developed romantic feelings for her training partner Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer).
Paul McClain
Paul McClain, played by Jansen Spencer, first appeared on 4 November 1997. Initially auditioning for a minor role, Spencer secured a regular part within a month under an initial three-month contract. He spoke about the difficulty of managing full-time acting commitments at his young age. Paul was characterized as somewhat socially awkward but gradually becoming more confident and popular. His prominent storylines included friendships with Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton) and dating Hannah Martin (Rebecca Ritters).
Sondra Pike
Sondra Pike, portrayed by Cathy Godbold, made a guest appearance from 10 to 20 November 1997, marking Godbold's return to television after a two-year hiatus. After working in voice-over roles, Godbold considered securing this part a significant achievement in her career. Introduced as the sister of Martin Pike (Fletcher Humphrys), Sondra was assigned to oversee a house renovation project alongside Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald). Characterized as alluring and provocative, she pursued Darren romantically despite his reluctance and existing relationship with Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine). Sondra's forceful advances and manipulative behavior stirred conflict within the renovation team, establishing her as a disruptive presence in Ramsay Street before her exit.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 January | Attendant | Brett Cousins | Aids Billy Kennedy in preparing for a bungee jump. |
| 6–14 February | Claudia Harvey | Anne Phelan | Develops a friendship with amnesiac Harold Bishop, causing strain with his wife Madge Bishop; Harold arranges for Claudia’s return home following disagreements. |
| 20 February–4 March | Justin Black | Chris Ryan | Anne Wilkinson’s former boyfriend who competes with Billy Kennedy; leaves after failed attempts at reconciliation. |
| 7–22 April | Wayne Peterson | Andrew Wall | Darren Stark’s ex-cellmate involved in warehouse robbery plans; dates Debbie Martin who ends their relationship upon learning his intentions; banned from local pub due to violent conduct. |
| 9 April 1997–7 December 2004 | Dorothy Stevens | Jenny Seedsman | Manager at Pacific Bank interacting with Ramsay Street residents over loans; holds lease for Coffee Shop; dates Harold Bishop and Lou Carpenter; awards Stuart Parker $5000 for preventing a bank robbery. |
| 28 April–9 May | Rebecca Knotts | Charmaine Gorman | Dates Toadfish Rebecchi during visit to Erinsborough; both conceal their ages but amicably part ways once truth is revealed. |
| 2 May–9 July | Rohan Kendrick | Paul Zebrowski | A blind man who hires Libby Kennedy; they briefly date before ending due to unresolved emotions. |
| 20 June–10 July | Jamie-Lee Duggan | Josephine Clark | A runaway who befriends Helen Daniels, exploits her generosity, and confesses to setting fire to Lou Carpenter’s mobile restaurant. |
| 14 July 1997 –10 February 1998 | Jacinta Myers | Caroline Morgan | Opposes Amy Greenwood’s relationship with Lance Wilkinson; participates in sabotaging school newsletter leading to suspension. |
| 14 July–17 October | Mitch | Simon Adler | Collaborates with Jacinta Myers on school newsletter prank; socializes with Cara Winfield causing tension with Lance Wilkinson. |
| 15 July 1997 –26 November 1998 | Cara Winfield | Siho Ellsmore | Friend to Amy Greenwood and Jacinta Myers; involved in school disputes and injured during prank involving Toadfish Rebecchi. |
| 18–20 July | Lloyd Hawkins | Denzil Howson | Dates Marlene Kratz and later Debbie Martin while discussing business opportunities; proposes partnership to Marlene who declines beyond friendship. |
| 24 July–29 August | Tommy Roles | Tibor Gyapjas | Friend of Darren Stark and former chaplain who provides Harold Bishop with tuba lessons and advises Darren on moving away. |
| 28 July 1997–23 April 2009 | Bob | Bob BJ Ricky |
Stray Maltese dog initially owned by Sarah Beaumont then others; involved in various incidents including injury and theft; ultimately diagnosed with cancer and euthanized in 2009. |
| 6–13 August | Richard Jones | Chris Fortuna | Sarah Beaumont’s roommate practicing ventriloquism; moves out following conflict with Sarah’s dog Bob. |
| 11–26 August | Alistair O'Connor | Michael O'Neill | Ruth Wilkinson’s old school friend who attempts a romantic relationship but settles for friendship. |
| 21–26 August | Angela Quinton | Fiona MacGregor | Briefly dates Ben Atkins; disputes arise regarding living arrangements leading to reunion with ex-boyfriend. |
| 25–26 August | Samantha O'Connor | Elise Hearst | Daughter of Alistair O'Connor who develops a crush on Lance Wilkinson. |
| 26 August 1997–5 February 1998 | Jack Foster | "Craig McMahon" | Lifeguard at local pool involved in romantic storylines with Hannah Martin and Claire Girard; dismissed after incident causing injury to Toadfish Rebecchi. |
| 8 September–30 October | Claire Girard | "Adele Schober" | French exchange student residing with Madge and Harold Bishop; instigates family conflict through prank; supports Hannah Martin during family bereavement before returning to France. |
| 26 September–3 November | 'Jimmy Drane' | Peter Hardy | Track manager at Calder Park Raceway facilitating Ben Atkins’ racing activities and introducing rival Steve Van Eck. |
| 29 September 1997–2 February 1998 | Mandi Rodgers | Sabina Lokic | Competitive swimmer training alongside Caitlin Atkins under coach Simon Butterworth; their friendship enhances performance until family moves end partnership. |
| 30 September 1997–8 July 1998 | Carol Maitland | Helen Trenos | Tax inspector assisting Lou Carpenter’s audit; begins dating Lou but ends relationship upon realizing his unresolved feelings for Cheryl Stark. |
| 6–14 October | George Marshall | David Ravenswood | Meets Marlene Kratz at bowls club and invites her on a three-month world cruise, which she accepts. |
| 9 October 1997–14 May 1998 | Simon Butterworth | David Le Page | Local swim coach promoting positive friendships among Caitlin Atkins and Mandi Rodgers; manages team during Sydney competition including Billy Kennedy in relay race. |
| 28 October 1997–4 August 1998 | Tracey Cox | Margot Knight | Social worker arranging foster care placement for Paul McClain and later informs him about his father’s desire to reconnect. |
| 3 November 1997–19 January 1998 | Steve Van Eck | Daniel Tobias | Motor racing rival of Ben Atkins who initially defeats him but is later beaten; witnesses Ben’s crash and rescue. |
| 3 November | Kay Winfield | Reiko Nagao | Cara Winfield’s mother who demands punishment from Susan and Karl Kennedy after Cara is injured during prank by Toadfish Rebecchi. |
| 21 November 1997–21 January 1998 | Mike Burns | Daniel Jolles | Online friend of Hannah Martin who visits Erinsborough; initially suspected by Philip Martin but allowed temporary stay, befriending Paul McClain before leaving. |
| 24 November 1997, 17 November 1999–3 February 2000 |
Jeff Greenwood | Brad Flynn | Brother of Amy Greenwood and cricket captain challenging gender norms by opposing Stephanie Scully’s participation. |
| 24 November 1997–27 February 1998 | Johnny Winters | Shane Nicholson | Friend of Jeff Greenwood involved in cricket matches with Lance Wilkinson, causes injury, and dates Amy Greenwood. |