User:JuneGloom07/1996

Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1996, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer Stanley Walsh. The 12th season of Neighbours began airing from 22 January 1996. Catherine O'Brien was introduced during the following month. Tom Kennedy and Rob Evans arrived in April. Steve George made his debut in August, followed by Sarah Beaumont in September. Ruth Wilkinson made her first appearance in October, and her daughter Anne Wilkinson was introduced during November.

Catherine O'Brien

Catherine O'Brien
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Radha Mitchell
Duration	1996–1997
First appearance	5 February 1996 (1996-02-05)
Last appearance	11 March 1997 (1997-03-11)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Stanley Walsh
In-universe information Occupation Student Waitress Wilderness Foundation volunteer Mother Bess O'Brien Half-sisters Sarah Beaumont Husband Malcolm Kennedy (2001–; separated) Daughters Susannah Kennedy

Catherine O'Brien, played by Radha Mitchell, made her first appearance on 5 February 1996. Mitchell had previously made a guest appearance in Neighbours as Cassandra Rushmore in 1994. The role bought her to the attention of the casting department, who decided to offer her the "much meatier" part of Catherine. She returned to the show in early 1996 and she was initially contracted for six months. Mitchell later admitted that she accepted the role as she needed to make money to go to the United States, however, she ended up taking the job seriously. Mitchell explained "It teaches you a lot about discipline. It's like a nine-to-five job. I ended up getting passionate about the job and thought I should make it the best soap I possibly can."

Radha Mitchell was introduced as Catherine in early February.

Catherine is the daughter of Bess O'Brien (Diana McLean) and half-sister of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles). Katherine Tulich of The Advertiser branded her "a greenie living in a house full of models." A writer for the BBC's official Neighbours website described Catherine as "a passionate young woman, particularly when it came to the environment and vegetarianism". They added that she and Malcolm Kennedy (Benjamin McNair) seemed to share "a genuine love". In November 1996, Jason Herbison of Inside Soap reported Mitchell had decided to quit Neighbours to pursue her film career following her appearance in Love and Other Catastrophes. Mitchell was asked to return to Neighbours for the 20th anniversary, but declined the invitation. The actress later praised the show for being "a training ground for young actors."

Of Mitchell's two stints in the soap, a writer for Virgin Media commented "Despite her pretty face, Neighbours producers thought her so unmemorable they had her play two separate roles in four years." Michael Idato of The Sydney Morning Herald branded Catherine "an idealistic student". While Dave Lanning of The People called her a "supergreenie". The BBC writer said Catherine's most notable moment was "being caught kissing Darren Stark." Tony Johnston, author of Neighbours: 20 years of Ramsay Street, agreed, saying it was "an infamous moment".

While attending Eden Hills University, Catherine befriends Stonefish Rebecchi (Anthony Engelman). Stonie develops feelings for Catherine. When he learns she is a vegetarian and has strong views about the environment, he pretends to share the same views. Catherine wins a competition to go on a date with model Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve). He later invites her on another date, but she declines, admitting that she only entered the competition on a dare. Catherine soon clashes with Sam when she discovers that the mining company he is working for drills in wildlife locations. Sam tries to tell Catherine that he is simply posing for an advertisement, but she urges him to turn down the job. When he refuses, Catherine handcuffs herself to him, forcing him to call Stonie for help. Catherine is forced to apologise to Sam when she learns that she had been misinformed about the company.

Stonie gets Catherine a job at the Coffee Shop, and Catherine develops feelings for him too. She asks him to take part in an abseiling protest, but when it comes to his turn, Stonie admits that he is scared of heights and only wanted to impress Catherine. She kisses him and they begin dating. Catherine ends their relationship when she learns that Stonie has been pretending to be a vegetarian. He persuades her to give him a second chance. Catherine leaves for a few months to care for her sick mother. On her return, she is reunited with her half-sister Sarah, who moves to Ramsay Street. Catherine breaks up with Stonie and she is fired from the café, but is later re-hired as the manager when the Rebecchis leave town. Catherine begins a relationship with Malcolm Kennedy and finds a new job with the Wilderness Foundation. She asks Sarah to teach her how to drive, but they fall out and Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald) teaches her instead. Darren and Catherine share a kiss. When Mal finds out, he breaks up with Catherine and decides to leave the country to go travelling. Catherine chases after Mal and they reunite at the airport. They move to England, where they marry and Catherine gives birth to their daughter, Susannah. Mal and Catherine later separate when Mal admits that he wants to move back to Australia.

Tom Kennedy

Tom Kennedy
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Bob Hornery
Duration	1996, 1999, 2006–2007
First appearance	5 April 1996 (1996-04-05)
Last appearance	13 August 2007 (2007-08-13)
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Stanley Walsh
In-universe information Occupation Farmer Family Kennedy Wife Molly Kennedy Adoptive sons Karl Kennedy Grandsons Malcolm Kennedy Billy Kennedy Granddaughters Libby Kennedy Holly Hoyland Other relatives Ben Kirk

Tom Kennedy, played by Bob Hornery, made his first appearance on 5 April 1996. Tom was a farmer and also a "staunch socialist". When he came to visit his son Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) in Erinsborough, Tom told him "in true soap style" that he was not his biological father. Anthony Hayward of The Guardian observed that the revelation "strained the father and son's already difficult relationship". When Neighbours returned to more family focused drama in 2007, Hornery reprised his role as Tom. Melinda Houston of The Age dubbed him a "dotty dad". In his final storyline, Tom was diagnosed with dementia and he moved into a care home.

When Tom's son, Karl and his wife Susan (Jackie Woodburne) spend some time in the country, they ask Tom to come to Erinsborough and keep an eye on their children; Malcolm (Benjamin McNair), Libby (Kym Valentine) and Billy (Jesse Spencer). Tom allows his grandchildren to throw a party they had been planning. When Karl and Susan return home, Tom stays for a few days to talk to Karl. He explains that he is not Karl's biological father, as he was infertile. His wife, Molly, had an affair with Ron Davies-Smythe (Tony Hawkins) to conceive Karl. Although angry that he was lied to, Karl makes up with Tom and tells him he will always be his father. Following a bad relationship break-up, Libby comes to Tom's farm to get away. Her friend, Drew Kirk (Dan Paris) follows her and Tom immediately likes him, as he is good with the animals. Tom suggests that Drew would make a better boyfriend for Libby. When Libby decides to return home, Tom comes with her. Tom and Billy are escorted home by the police after they sing "The Red Flag" at the pub. Tom tells Libby to go to the Oakey Rodeo with Drew, before going back to his farm. Months later a newly engaged Libby and Drew visit Tom.

Years later, Tom starts making phone calls to Karl at odd hours of the day and talking about events and people from the past. Tom's neighbours also contact Karl out of concern for him. Karl goes to the farm and realises it is in a state of disrepair and Tom appears to be suffering from dementia. Susan joins Karl to help out and Tom berates Karl for getting divorced. Tom's condition deteriorates and when he tries to start a fire in the living room, Karl realises he needs help. Tom moves into a nursing home. He later comes to stay with Karl and Susan, who have since remarried. He bonds with their step–son Zeke Kinski (Matthew Werkmeister), as he thinks Zeke is Karl. Tom nearly sets fire to the house when he leaves an electric kettle on the hob. Karl realises Tom needs full-time care and he applies for a place at a nursing home in Eden Hills. While they are waiting for a place to become available, Karl hires nurse Ian Phillips (Christopher Brown) to help out. Ian mistreats Tom, so Zeke installs a camera to catch him in the act. Ian is caught taking Susan's rings and he is fired and arrested. Tom organises a birthday party for Karl and shares some memories of how he and Molly organised a surprise 16th birthday party for Karl. Tom catches Karl recording his voice and tells him that he will always love him no matter what. Shortly after, Tom moves into the new nursing home and is visited by his family.

Rob Evans

Rob Evans
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Graham Harvey
First appearance	30 April 1996 (1996-04-30)
Last appearance	13 September 1996 (1996-09-13)
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Stanley Walsh
In-universe information Occupation Chairman of the Evans Foundation Wife Emily (backstory) Joanna Hartman (1996–) Sons Conrad Evans Daughters Lucy Evans

Rob Evans, played by Graham Harvey, made his first appearance on 30 April 1996. The character was introduced as a new love interest for Joanna Hartman (Emma Harrison). Rob is a former member of the gym Joanna teaches in, and he offers her a job as his personal trainer when she loses her job. An Inside Soap writer noted that Rob was "one of Jo's keenest pupils" and described him as "handsome", "suave" and "wealthy and successful". Jo's friend Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve) is initally suspicious of Rob and thinks he is "an old sleaze", who wants more than a working relationship with Jo. However, Jo realises that Rob is lonely and the character's fictional backstory explains that he lost his family in a boating accident. Jo and Rob begin a relationship and soon get engaged. Harrison said, "It all happens very quickly, but Joanna is really drawn to Rob's energy and she thinks he's gorgeous. I think it's true love. She really does fall head over heels." Rachel Browne of The Sydney Morning Herald called it "a whirlwind romance". The couple marry in the episode broadcast on 21 June 1996.

Rob attends Joanna Hartman's aerobics classes until the gym decides to go women only. Jo protests the change and loses her job, but accepts Rob's offer to become his personal trainer. Over a meal, Rob tells Jo that his wife, Emily, and daughter, Lucy, died in a boating accident three years ago, so it is just him and his son, Conrad, at home now. After a training session, Rob invites Jo to lunch at his home and they get on well, until Jo sees a photo of Emily and leaves suddenly. Rob comes to see Jo, after she cancels their upcoming sessions, and she tells him that she think he only hired her because she resembles his late wife. Rob is initially offended, but they soon apologise to one another and agree to communicate better. Rob admits that he was unaware of the resemblance until she pointed it out. Jo invites her friends Sam Kratz and Marlene Kratz (Moya O'Sullivan) to meet Rob, but they are suspicious of him and what he does for a living.

Rob shows Jo around the Evans Foundation, a charity he set up after he sold his computer software company. Jo later tells Rob that she is in love with him, prompting him to propose and Jo accepts. When Jo raises the subject of having children together, Rob admits that he had a vasectomy. He visits Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) to ask about having it reversed, however, Karl informs him that there is only a slim chance of a reversal working and Rob gives Jo a chance to walk away from their engagement, but she tells him they have other options. Rob arranges for Jo's father Tarquin Hartman (Michael Carman) to be at the wedding and they marry in the grounds of Rob's house. Rob spends a lot of his time away on business, so Jo become a partner in local bar Chez Chez. Rob later invites her to accompany him overseas. At their farewell party, Rob turns down a business proposal from Steve George (Alex Dimitriades), realising that Steve only cares about money. He also warns him not to hurt Jo's friend Danni Stark (Eliza Szonert). A few months later, Jo returns to Erinsborough alone, having broken up with Rob while they were in Europe. Jo eventually contacts Rob, who sends her a first class ticket to London and she leaves to reconcile with him.

Steve George

Steve George
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Alex Dimitriades
First appearance	13 August 1996 (1996-08-13)
Last appearance	20 September 1996 (1996-09-20)
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Stanley Walsh
In-universe information Occupation Real estate agent Wife Tessa George

Steve George, played by Alex Dimitriades, made his first appearance on 13 August 1996. Following several cast departures in early 1996, producers wanted to "pep up the show" and bring in "a big star" to increase ratings. Dimitriades had received good publicity for his roles in The Heartbreak Kid and Heartbreak High, and was popular in both Australia and the UK when he was cast. Malcolm Knox from The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the actor had signed on for six episodes as "an oleaginous house-seller" for Cheryl Stark (Caroline Gillmer). Knox said it was clear Steve was not meant to be liked, saying he had "a big head and a mouth full of sales bumf". He also reported that Steve would become a love interest for Cheryl's daughter, Danni Stark (Eliza Szonert). Knox did not think Dimitriades' appearance would "freshen" the serial up for long. Similarly, Andrea Jones from the same newspaper thought Dimitriades was cast "as part of Neighbours' continuing bid to recapture its golden era of teen popularity." She branded his character "a cocky, hot-shot real estate agent". Jones's colleague Rachel Browne called Steve "sleazy" for seducing Danni despite being married.

Alex Dimitriades began playing Steve in August.

Steve calls on Cheryl Stark to explain that he is from Erinsborough Commercial & Residential and will be selling Number 22 for her. Cheryl notices how young Steve is, but he assures her he is experienced and is the current Agent of the Year. Steve meets with Cheryl the following day to show her some photos of the house. He also meets her son Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald) and offers to mention Darren to the property manager at his office, who has been complaining about the handyman he uses. At the coffee shop, Steve greets Joanna Hartman (Emma Harrison) and reminds her they have met before. Jo introduces him to Hannah Martin (Rebecca Ritters), who explains that the council will not build a skate ramp because they have spent all the recreation budget money. Steve tells Hannah he will speak to his boss, who likes to invest in promotional ideas. Steve is immediately attracted to Cheryl's daughter Danni and he tries to persuade her to come out to dinner with him. She turns him down as she is dating Luke Handley (Bernard Curry).

Steve helps Danni with her shop renovations and he continues to flirt with her. Steve asks Danni to make him some clothes and organises a nightclub event for her to showcase her designs, which turns into a Masquerade Ball at Luke's suggestion. Cheryl complains to Steve that several items have gone missing from her house and he convinces her to let Danni stay there to keep an eye on prospective buyers. Steve lets himself into Number 22 and when he sees Danni sleeping on the sofa, he kisses her. She angrily tells him not to come in uninvited again and he apologises. Steve's presence causes Luke and Danni's relationship to suffer, and they later break-up due to Luke's jealousy. Steve sells Cheryl's house at auction, but for less than the asking price. Steve comes to Rob Evans (Graham Harvey) with a business proposition, but Rob refuses to have anything to do with him. Steve tells Danni he loves her and she responds when he kisses her. At the Masquerade Ball, Steve is confronted by his wife Tessa (Louise Miller). She tells Steve that their marriage is over and she and Danni walk off together, leaving him alone.

Sarah Beaumont

Main article: Sarah Beaumont

Sarah Beaumont, played by Nicola Charles, made her first appearance on 25 September 1996. Charles was cast in Neighbours shortly after she moved to Australia. The former model turned actress was excited to join the cast. The writers decided to incorporate Charles's English and Brazilian heritage into Sarah's background and personality. Sarah came to Erinsborough to "escape a tortured past." She had been engaged to Lord Steven Harrow (Stewart Morritt), but she jilted him and fled. Sarah is the daughter of Bess O'Brien (Diana McLean), and the half-sister of Catherine O'Brien (Radha Mitchell). One of the most notable storylines for the character saw her and Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) have a brief affair.

Ruth Wilkinson

Main article: Ruth Wilkinson

Ruth Wilkinson, played by Ailsa Piper, made her first appearance on 3 October 1996. Piper was an established theatre actress, before she was cast in Neighbours. She was initially considered for the role of Susan Kennedy, before the part was given to Jackie Woodburne. Piper was later cast as Philip Martin's (Ian Rawlings) new love interest Ruth, a physiotherapist who is hired to care for his mother-in-law Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy). Philip initially finds her "tough and strict". Ruth is a single mother of twins Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) and Anne Wilkinson (Brooke Satchwell), and the role allowed Piper to "portray the non-traditional family unit in a positive light." Of the similarities to her character, Piper commented that she and Ruth "share the same legs and the same quick temper."

Anne Wilkinson

Main article: Anne Wilkinson

Anne Wilkinson, played by Brooke Satchwell, made her first appearance on 19 November 1996. Satchwell received an audition for the role of Anne twelve months after signing on with an agent. Satchwell was fifteen when she was cast, and the role marked her first acting job, following appearances in commercials. Emily Milburn also auditioned for the role of Anne, before being cast as Caitlin Atkins. Anne is the teenage daughter of Ruth Wilkinson (Ailsa Piper), and twin sister of Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby). An Inside Soap writer described her as "headstrong with a unique sense of style". She quickly forms an on-off relationship with Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer), which was called a "rollercoaster romance" by Soaplife's Ellie Genower. The couple soon became popular with viewers. Satchwell won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 1998 for her portrayal of Anne.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
26 January	Nikk Banner	Michael Fry	A teacher who interviews Danni Stark for a place at a design school. He looks over her portfolio and informs her that entry to the course will rely on her Year 12 results. Danni makes excuses for not completing her exams, but Nikk tells her to repeat Year 12, before returning.
29 January	Amanda Andrews	Jacqui Kennedy	A counsellor at the local women's clinic, who talks with Libby Kennedy.
30 January–23 April	Bruce Styles	Paul El Deir	A fitness instructor who talks with Joanna Hartman] about providing promotion for his gym. He invites Jo to attend an aerobics class, and helps Jo out when she joins the gym and leads her own class. When Toadfish Rebecchi collapses, Bruce attempts to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but Toadie quickly comes to, as he was hoping one of the women would step in. Weeks later, Bruce tells Jo that the gym has been sold and will become a women's only facility. Jo thinks it is unfair to the male clients, as do Rupert Sprod and Billy Kennedy, after Bruce informs them about the news when they ask about membership.
30 January–8 February	James Grimmer	Matt Parkinson	A friend of Sam Kratz. Marlene Kratz is not happy to see James, as he is a criminal who almost got Sam into trouble when he asked him to hide stolen goods. James is interested in Jen Handley and after having dinner together, James walks her home and they kiss. They are interrupted by Cody Willis and Hannah Martin, and Jen asks him to leave. James steals Stonefish Rebecchi's motorbike, after learning that Stonie had an affair with Sam's girlfriend Annalise Hartman. James lines up a buyer for the bike, but Sam confronts him and returns the bike. James believes Sam has gone soft and Sam asks him to leave.
1 February	Charnelle Edwards	Kestie Morassi	Michael Martin's girlfriend from Marree. Michael brings Charnelle to his home in Erinsborough. When she gets some juice in the morning, she apologises to his family after realising that they did not know about her. Charnelle and Michael stay for lunch with his family.
1 February – 2 July	Leith Davidson	David Watson	A lecturer at Eden Hills University, who stops Stonefish Rebecchi's interpretive dance audition to ask him what it is about. Stonie explains what each part is meant to represent. He later tells Leith and his class about his friend Cody Willis, who recently died. Leith informs the cast of his play that there is a casting director in the audience, which makes Stonie nervous, but the play is a success.
2–5 February 1996, 21–22 January 1999	Coral Reeves	Denise Scott Donna Lee	Toadfish Rebecchi's aunt, who brings him back to Erinsborough, having had enough of his bad behaviour while he has been living with her. Coral tells Toadie's mother Angie Rebecchi that he tried to drill a hole into his cousin Gemma Reeves' bedroom wall to watch her undress. Coral wonders how Angie copes raising boys without her husband, Kevin Rebecchi. Angie introduces Coral to Helen Daniels and Philip Martin and tells them Toadie is back. She reckons Toadie will work hard now that he is back in school, but Coral expresses her doubts. Three years later, Coral returns to Erinsborough for her son Tad Reeves' court appearance. She attempts to cheer Toadie up when his girlfriend, Karen Oldman announces she is leaving. She later thanks him for looking after Tad and asks him if Tad can stay for six months. Tad overhears and runs off. Coral eventually catches up with him and explains that things between her and his father are hard at the moment, so she would rather he stay with Toadie and have fun. Tad agrees and Coral returns home. The character was credited as Coral Reeve in her first appearance, and Reeves thereafter.
5–21 February	Tim Powers	Luke Kilmany	The new maths teacher at Erinsborough High. Hannah Martin and her friend Zoe Tan develop a crush on him. Tim catches them passing notes about him. Hannah assumes he sent her a Valentine's Day card, but it turns out it was from Toadfish Rebecchi. Tim tells Hannah not to be embarrassed and he that he hopes they can put it behind them.
5 February–4 March	Emma McKillop	Sophie Collins	A university student and Catherine O'Brien's friend. Malcolm Kennedy and Stonefish Rebecchi invite Emma and Catherine to travel with them in Helen Daniels' car to Psychology camp, but they decide to get a lift from another student.
7–23 February	Nadia St. Clair	Dale Stevens	Luke Handley's boss after he takes a job as a time share salesman. Nadia invites Luke out to lunch and they later have sex. They continue a casual relationship, but Luke ends it and quits his job, after Nadia refuses to give a customer a refund and threatens to fire him.
7 February	Shane	Joe Cosentino	An Erinsborough High student, who calls Billy Kennedy a suck up after he asks their teacher Andrew Watson what a word is, but knows the meaning when he hears it. Shane tells Billy that he gets all the attention because his mother is a teacher too. Andrew stops Shane and then discusses dyslexia with the class instead.
8 February	Ashley Bergman	Damien Foletta	Judy Bergman's children. Her partner Brett Stark takes them to the beach and then the Coffee Shop, where he tells them about his time in Africa. Brett offers to babysit them at his house, so Judy can go out for the evening. When Judy comes to pick them up, Rebecca tells her that she likes Brett and wants him to look after her and Ashley again.
	Rebecca Bergman	Naomi Wright
13 February	Robert	Clive James	The postman delivers the mail around Ramsay Street. He hands Joanna Hartman and Sam Kratz their mail, before moving onto Helen Daniels, who thanks him. Toadfish Rebecchi knocks over the postman's trolley with his car, and Billy Kennedy helps him to pick it up. James was credited with "Special Guest Appearance By", but is named Robert in the episode.
19 February–16 October 1997	Martin Pike	Fletcher Humphrys	A university student, who attends a Psychology camp along with Malcolm Kennedy, Stonefish Rebecchi, Catherine O'Brien and Helen Daniels. Stonie teases Martin for attending an all-boys school. The following year, Libby Kennedy befriends Martin and introduces him to her former boyfriend Darren Stark. Martin is dismissive of Darren's job and encourages Libby to skip classes. He later tells Darren to leave Libby alone. Martin and Libby organise a dance, and they ask Darren to help hang a banner from a building. Libby calls Martin a chicken for not climbing the ladder and he shakes it, causing it to fall. Darren catches Libby and pulls her to safety. Libby's father Karl Kennedy disapproves of Martin. Darren and Martin become friends and begin renovating houses together. His younger sister Sondra Pike later makes romantic advances towards Darren.
27 February–5 March	Dexter Jensen	Nicholas Jones	A school student, who approaches Toadfish Rebecchi and asks to be his study partner, but Toadie tells him to go away. A few days later, Toadie changes his mind and tells Dexter that he would like to be his study partner after all.
28 February – 19 March	Kimberley Stevens	Rebecca Macauley	A detective, who dates Luke Handley after meeting him at Chez Chez. Luke is impressed by Kimberley's job and at her suggestion, he applies to join the force. Kimberley questions Malcolm Kennedy, Stonefish Rebecchi and Sonny Hammond about their car, as drugs have been found inside, but they are cleared of any involvement. Kimberley informs Luke and Cody Willis that their home is going to be used for a stakeout to catch a pair of drug dealers when they come for the car. Kimberley leads the stakeout from inside the house, but when the dealers pull a gun on Sonny and Libby Kennedy, she gives the order to arrest them. The gun goes off during a struggle and Cody is shot. Kimberley admits to Luke that the stakeout was a mess and was supposed to lead to something bigger for her. Luke consoles her and she tells him he will make a great policeman.
4–5 March	Trevor Burke	Anthony Campbell-Black	The Erinsborough High groundskeeper. When Toadfish Rebecchi is framed by a copycat graffiti artist, he and Billy Kennedy stay out all night hoping to catch the copycat. When Trevor turns up, they tackle him. He explains to Susan Kennedy that he was fed up of Toadie goading him all the time. After Susan speaks with Toadie about his behaviour, he and Trevor make up.
18–19 March	Detective Payne	John Powell	A detective who works with Kimberley Stevens to catch two drug dealers, who are coming to Ramsay Street to pick up their stash from a car. Payne pretends to be a television repairman, as he waits in a car on the street. He later goes on a food run and spots the dealers Simon Palmer and Stuart Maughan sitting outside Chez Chez. He follows them back to Ramsay Street and informs Stevens that Libby Kennedy has approached them. She tells Payne to hold back until Libby has gone, while he tells her that if they burn now, they have blown the whole case. When Simon pulls a gun out, Payne draws his own weapon and tells him to drop it. The gun goes off in a struggle, but Payne tells Stevens that no one is hurt, unaware that Cody Willis has been shot.
18 March–3 May	Peter Lenten	James Patrick	Peter notices Sam Kratz waiting in the office reception of Teen Girl magazine and he offers him a modelling contract for Stefano Gold aftershave, which Sam accepts. Peter visits Sam at home, where he learns he lives with his grandmother. On the day of the photo shoot, Sam learns that Peter wants him to pose in the nude. He reluctantly goes ahead with the shoot. Sam later learns that Peter wants to change his name to "Sami K" because his surname is not right for the brand. Peter also launches a competition to win a date with Sam. Sam eventually decides to get out of his contract and returns to his job as a handy man.
18–19 March	Simon Palmer	Mark Pearce	Two drug dealers who plot to steal back a car bought by Malcolm Kennedy, Stonefish Rebecchi and Sonny Hammond, as their stash of drugs is hidden inside. Simon and Stuart wait outside Chez Chez, before making their way to the street, followed by Detective Payne. As they are looking around, Libby Kennedy approaches them and asks which house they are looking for, but Sonny suddenly appears and pushes Stuart to the ground. Stuart accidentally hits Libby, who falls. Simon pulls a gun on the group and Detective Payne tells him to drop it. Simon attempts to flee, but Stuart stops him with a tackle, causing the gun to go off. Stuart tells Detective Kimberley Stevens that he did not know Simon had a gun. They soon learn that the bullet hit Cody Willis.
	Stuart Maughan	Leigh Whannell
21–22 March	Sergeant Herron	Terry Gill	A police sergeant who puts the new recruits through their paces at the academy. He singles Luke Handley out because he is not wearing the correct trousers. Sergeant Herron tells the recruits that they will undergo a complete physical profile, which includes a firearms-handling test, running, swimming and an obstacle course within six minutes. He makes Luke go first and forces him to move a dummy that is in the wrong position, causing him to go over the allotted six minutes. However, Herron passes Luke.
22 March–10 May	Georgia Brown	Petra Yared	Philip Martin fosters Georgia when her father goes into hospital. She clashes with his daughter Hannah Martin, but they learn to tolerate each other. Georgia befriends Billy Kennedy and Toadfish Rebecchi. Georgia kisses Billy, causing a rift between the friends, as Toadie has feelings for her. Toadie asks Georgia to the school dance, but she turns him down as she wants to go with Rupert Sprod. However, Rupert asks Libby Kennedy to go with him, so Georgia accepts Toadie's invitation, but ignores him all night. Georgia later overhears Hannah telling Philip that she cannot live with Georgia anymore and wishes her father would hurry up and get better, or die. Hannah apologises and tells Georgia that she is sick of her being mean. After Debbie Martin kicks Georgia out of her bedroom, Georgia turns to Billy for comfort and his girlfriend Melissa Drenth catches them kissing. Billy later breaks up with Melissa to be with Georgia, but regrets it immediately and she realises that he still loves Melissa. Georgia's father is soon discharged from hospital. She says her goodbyes to her friends and leaves for home.
3 April–8 May	Ben Dalziel	Stephen Pease	A fashion designer, who gets engaged to Danni Stark. Danni tells her mother Cheryl Stark that she and Ben met at a fashion show, and Ben invited her to join his team of designers. Ben assures Cheryl that even though he and Danni have only known each other for two weeks, he does loves Danni. Ben warns Danni that they have to keep their personal and professional lives separate. Ben and Danni move into Number 30 Ramsay Street. Ben introduces Danni to rival designer Suki, who belittles her. Danni spends days working on her designs for Ben to take to Sydney, but she is unhappy with her modifications and rips up the pages, angering Ben. He later finds a note from Danni saying she has left the company and that their relationship is over. Danni agrees to give Ben another chance, even though she doubts that he respects her professionally. Ben and Danni argue again and he slaps her, causing her to fall to the floor. Ben apologises, but Danni ends their relationship.
8 April	Hugh Murphy	Alan McNab	A farmer who approaches Karl Kennedy and Susan Kennedy when he sees them looking under their car bonnet. Hugh asks if they are having trouble, before taking a look and declaring that the water pump is broken. He takes Karl and Susan back to his home, where they meet his wife Edna Murphy and son Jeffrey Murphy. Hugh receives word that a replacement pump is on its way and Karl and Susan can stay with them until it arrives.
8–12 April	Police Medical Officer	Tasos Petousis	The medical officer assess Luke Handley's fitness and remarks that it is taking longer than he expected for Luke's pulse to slow down. Luke tells him that he has had a sore throat lately and his glands are swollen. The doctor checks him over and finds a lump that needs to be biopsied. The doctor later informs Luke that he needs to see an oncologist as soon as possible, as he may have cancer.
8 April	Edna Murphy	Marie Trevor	Hugh Murphy's wife, who upon his arrival home, announces dinner is ready by firing a gun in the direction of his tractor and their guests Karl Kennedy and Susan Kennedy. Edna later refuses Susan's offer of help.
8–10 April	Jeffrey Murphy	Michael Isaacs	Hugh Murphy and Edna Murphy's son. He emerges from the house playing a harmonica, as his father returns home with Karl Kennedy and Susan Kennedy, whose car broke down. Jeffrey and Karl play a song together on the harmonica and guitar. During the night, Jeffrey enters Karl and Susan's room to fix the squeaky bed and leaves them an axe in case of snakes. The following morning, he catches Karl and Susan sneaking away and tells them that his parents went to look after his aunt, but he stayed behind because of them. They decide to stay and Jeffrey wants Karl to teach him the rest of the song they were playing. Karl later offers to help Jeffrey chop some wood and Jeffrey is impressed when Karl splits a log, noting that he has done it before. They also go rabbit hunting together, and Susan offers to make an apple crumble for dinner. Jeffrey tells them that the mechanic has their new water pump and he will fix it for them in the morning. Susan realises that he is upset they are leaving, and she and Karl agree to stay longer.
16 April	Casey Walker	Gareth Wilding-Forbes	Luke Handley's oncologist. Dr Walker tells Luke that he has the second most treatable cancer, before examining the lump on his neck. Casey schedules some tests and informs Luke that treatment will likely be radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
17–18 April	Suki	Opell Ross	A fashion designer, who meets with Ben Dalziel. He initially ignores Ben's partner and fellow designer Danni Stark, before dismissing her designs and telling her she has no experience. Ben likes Suki's designs and feels the summer collection is almost complete. When he leaves the room, Suki accuses Danni of using Ben to get ahead in the fashion business. Danni tells Suki that his designs are not practical and that they look like they are from the late 80s. Suki tells her to get lost.
24 April	Rachelle Stig	Natalie Engelman	A student who asks Libby Kennedy and Melissa Drenth during a football match why they are not showing their support for the team with banners, considering they are dating two of the players. They tell her that they support behind the scenes and do not need to try so hard. Rachelle then tells Melissa that Billy Kennedy is bored of her and will break up with her for Georgia Brown. When Libby tells her to shut up, Rachelle replies that Libby's boyfriend Rupert Sprod has dated several girls. After the game, teacher Andrew Watson asks Rachelle why she is late and then calls her out when she starts whispering to other students about his sexual orientation. Rupert later cheats on Libby with Rachelle.
2 May, 14 June	Charlie Moyes	Damien Bodie	A young cancer patient, who Luke Handley meets at a clinic. Charlie offers to be Luke's friend while he undergoes treatment. Luke later agrees to be Charlie's companion at Camp Quality. Charlie learns Luke is refusing chemotherapy and tells him he does not understand why he would stop fighting.
12–17 June	Esmeralda Villio	Maggie King	A woman who attempts to con Lou Carpenter and Marlene Kratz into giving her ransom money for Cheryl Stark, who is in Ecuador. After making phone calls to the house, Esmeralda turns up and searches the place for money and takes Marlene's jewellery. She then forces Marlene to go to the bank and withdraw a large sum of money. Lou arrives with the police, and Esmeralda drops her fake Ecuadorian accent as she is arrested. It emerges that her son, who lives in Ecuador, found and went through Cheryl's luggage, before passing it on to his mother.
21 June	Enzo D'Agostino	Robert Forza	Rob Evans's business partner and best man at his wedding to Joanna Hartman. Enzo calms Rob down when he worries that Jo is not coming because she is late.
21–27 June	Bobby Etheridge	Robin Collins	A woman who visits Hannah Martin to see a doll and a diary Hannah found under Number 28, as she believes they belong to her grandmother Charlotte Sparrow. Bobby explains to Hannah that Charlotte died when Bobby was very young, and she shows Hannah a photo of Charlotte with the doll. Hannah concedes that the doll and diary must be hers and gives them to Bobby, who thanks her for finding them and giving her a link to her grandmother. Bobby later meets with Libby Kennedy for an interview about the doll and diary. When Hannah's friend Billy Kennedy tells Bobby how much the doll means to Hannah, she agrees to give it to Hannah if Billy collects it.
24 June–30 October	Casper Mack	Adam Fiorentino	Another of Philip Martin's foster children, who comes to stay when his father suffers a breakdown and his grandmother falls ill. Philip's daughter Hannah Martin develops a crush on Casper and asks him to teach her how to skateboard, but he is distant. Casper befriends Billy Kennedy and Toadfish Rebecchi and helps them hide from some other boys in an empty house. Toadie tries to exclude Casper when he and Billy decide to use the house for a party. Hannah takes Casper's skateboard to practice her skills, and it is broken when a van runs it over. Hannah attempts to apologise and later buys Casper a new skateboard. Casper admits to Billy and Toadie that he likes Hannah, but he has trouble talking to girls. He eventually thanks her and they skate together. They soon admit they like each other. After learning that he can go home, Casper and Hannah kiss and agree to stay in touch. Casper returns on Hannah's birthday and they take a petition for a new skate ramp to the council. Casper visits a couple more times, before he tells Hannah that he is moving to Queensland. He gives Hannah his skateboard as they say their goodbyes.
24 June	Dillon Renshaw	Jason Torrens	A young man who Debbie Martin serves at Chez Chez. He later orders some chips for his friends and tells Debbie that he wanted another excuse to talk to her. Dillon's friends leave and he stays to talk with Debbie, who serves him another beer. He asks her out, but she turns him down. Two police officers enter the pub and one asks Dillon for ID. Dillon admits that he is 17 and the officer asks for his details.
	Police Officer	Rick Fletcher	The officer enters Chez Chez and notices Dillon Renshaw sitting at the bar with a beer. He asks Dillon for ID and Dillon admits he is only 17. The officer realises Debbie Martin has been serving him and tells her that serving a minor is a serious offence.
25 June, 3 July	Ada Pentland	Amanda Levy	The editor of Real Woman magazine. She comes to the local pub and asks Philip Martin where she can find Lou Carpenter and Cheryl Stark. Phil tells her that they need privacy, but when Lou appears, Ada starts asking him questions about Cheryl's kidnap ordeal. Lou decides to sell the story for $40,000. Ada conducts the interview at Lou and Cheryl's home. Cheryl tells her about the kidnappers and how she feared for her life. Ada believes the situation was not as bad as her family thought, and that Lou must have felt relived, but Lou says it is the first time he has heard Cheryl speak about it. Ada asks about the other hostages, and Cheryl explains that they got on well and comforted each other. She adds that she is trying to forget about the whole experience.
25 June	Katie Kate	Mardi Johnson	A singer who asks Danni Stark to make her a dress for a film clip. Danni arranges for the photoshoot to take place at Rob Evans' house. Katie arrives at the same time as Angie Rebecchi and they get on well. Her son Stonefish Rebecchi is attracted to Katie, but she kisses his friend Malcolm Kennedy and tells him that she hopes they will meet again someday.
3 July–7 August	Pete Collins	Sudi de Winter	A boy who breaks into the Rebecchi's house and steals several items. He later harasses Libby Kennedy and Casper Mack. When Toadfish Rebecchi sees Pete at the Coffee Shop, he chases him to an allotment and gets his brother's jacket back. Pete then goes to Karl Kennedy to get treatment for a wound on his arm. Karl encourages Pete to call his mother, but she refuses to pick him up, so Karl takes him home. Pete is later caught stealing paint from Malcolm Kennedy's ute and Karl notices he has some bruises on his back. He examines Pete and discovers there are bruises covering 60% of his body. Pete says he fell down some stairs, but later admits that his father beat him. Pete's father, Gary, threatens Karl. Darren Stark talks with Pete, who asks Karl if he will help him get away from Gary.
19–22 July	Hennessy	Gregory Costaras	An associate of Darren Stark, who did time in prison with him. Darren informs Hennessy that he is having trouble retrieving their stash, as the house where they hid it is being demolished.
24–25 July	Ron Davies-Smythe	Tony Hawkins	After Karl Kennedy learns Ron is his biological father, he receives a call from Ron and they arrange to meet a few months later. Ron visits Karl and his family in Erinsborough and he expresses a desire to keep in touch with his son, but he dies shortly after. Years later, Karl learns that he has several half-siblings fathered by Ron, and he meets one of them Jemima Davies-Smythe.
2–6 August	Greg Mundy	Paul Tolton	A man who calls into Debbie Martin's psychic advice hotline and takes her words seriously. When Greg turns up at Debbie's house, she tries to tells him that she does not have a psychic gift and was just reading from a script. Greg does not believe her, as he felt her reading was quite specific. He tells her that he took voluntary retrenchment, which made his wife leave him, after Debbie said he would go through changes at work and home. Debbie explains that she used his answers to her questions to come up with the things to say to him, and Greg finally realises that she is not psychic. Debbie encourages him to call his wife and Hazel Mundy turns up to talk with Greg. However, the couple argue and Debbie refers them to Doctor Karl Kennedy.
6 August	Hazel Mundy	Catherine Purling	Greg Mundy's wife Hazel, who left him when he took voluntary retrenchment. Greg calls her to talk and she comes to Ramsay Street, where she thanks Debbie Martin for putting Greg straight about her lack of psychic abilities. Hazel and Greg try to discuss their issues, but end up arguing, so Debbie refers them to Doctor Karl Kennedy.
6–12 August	Gary Collins	John Powell	Pete Collins' father. Karl Kennedy learns Gary has been beating his son and calls community services. Gary later comes to Karl's surgery and grabs Karl, telling him he did not hurt his son. Pete backs him up and Gary warns Karl to stay out of his business. Days later, Gary comes to Karl's house after Pete runs away. He tells Karl and his wife Susan Kennedy that he loves his son and discipline never hurt anyone. Karl asks Gary to leave, but he refuses. When Karl's daughter Libby Kennedy comes home, Karl tells her to get out and Gary grabs Karl and threatens him. Susan calls the police and Gary leaves. Gary later firebombs Karl's surgery.
12–30 August	Mike Anderson	Mike Bishop	Angie Rebecchi hires pest controller Mick to get rid of some possums in her attic. Mick and Angie become attracted to each other and they eventually share a kiss. Angie ends their friendship when Mick asks her to go away with him.
15 August–17 September	Shona Munro	Bryony Price	An Erinsborough High student who develops a crush on Malcolm Kennedy. Shona talks with Mal as he works at the school, and later explains that she never spoke to him before because she was shy. Mal remembers that she came into the year halfway through and Shona says she was kicked out of her old school. Shona kisses him and produces a hip flask of whisky, which he declines to drink. They are caught by Mal's mother Susan Kennedy, and Mal initially takes the blame, but Shona soon owns up and is suspended. Mal and Shona date and she tells him she loves him. Shona accuses Mal of cheating on her when she sees him hugging Danni Stark and he asks her for some time apart. Susan catches Shona attempting to damage a bench, and Shona tells her that she just wanted to create more work so Mal would stay at the school. Shona is expelled and Mal ends their relationship, saying that he does not feel the same way about her.
16–21 August	Jude McGinty	Margie Bainbridge	A loan shark who comes to Ramsay Street to collect an overdue payment from Darren Stark. His mother Cheryl tells Jude that he is not home and Jude replies that the debt goes up $1000 every week Darren does not pay. Darren and Cheryl later meet with Jude to tell her that she will her get her money, but they need a couple of days, before paying her that week's interest. Cheryl pays Jude the full amount.
20 August	Fleur Williamson	Olivia Ramage	Melissa Drenth meets with Fleur to tell her that Toadfish Rebecchi likes her and wants her to have dinner with him. Fleur is nervous when she and Melissa arrive at Number 28, but Toadie breaks the ice with some music. Fleur later invites Toadie to kiss her, but he tells her they should get to know each other as friends first. She is pleased that he is a gentleman and kiss him, before inviting him to walk her home.
26 August–20 September	Roz Kemp	Lee Collins	Philip Martin's book editor, who comes to meet with him at his home. Roz meets his daughter, Debbie, and his mother-in-law Helen Daniels. Roz takes Philip's latest short story to look over, but returns to tell Philip that he has copied another book subconsciously. When Philip decides to give up writing, Roz asks him to be the publishing company's new business and marketing manager. Philip later invites Roz to the Masquerade Ball.
3 September	Martin Munro	Roger O'Connor	Shona Munro's parents, who invite the Kennedys to their home for lunch when their daughter begins dating their son Malcolm Kennedy.
	Karen Munro	Carmel Hyland
19–20 September	Tessa George	Louise Miller	Steve George's wife. Debbie Martin contacts Tessa and tells her Steve is cheating on her with Danni Stark. Tessa comes to Ramsay Street to meet Danni. Debbie later calls Tessa to check she is attending the Masquerade Ball and Tessa says she has a surprise for Steve. At the ball, Tessa confronts Steve and tells him their marriage is over.
8–25 October	Anthony Davies	Justin Braine	A man dating Melissa Drenth. Malcolm Kennedy sees them kissing, and tells his brother and Melissa's boyfriend, Billy Kennedy, who refuses to believe it. Toadfish Rebecchi later sees Melissa and Anthony kissing in his car. Billy realises Melissa is having an affair when he finds a message to her from Anthony inside a CD she gave him. When Anthony drops off a book that Melissa left behind, Billy tells him that Melissa is dating them both. Anthony admits that he had no idea, and if he had known he would have made Melissa sort things out. As Melissa gathers her belongings, Anthony points out that she appears to have made her choice and he waits for her in the car.
10 October	Bruce Smith	Richard Neal	Cheryl Stark's solicitor, who informs Lou Carpenter that Cheryl did not change her will before her death and their separation, so Lou is the sole beneficiary of her estate.
11–14 October	Tony Farmer	Anthony Morton	A British journalist who tracks down Sarah Beaumont to Erinsborough. After learning where she lives from her sister Catherine O'Brien and Luke Handley, Tony comes to Ramsay Street and calls Sarah. He later photographs her leaving the house, and she tells him that she is not prepared to give him a story, but he says he already has photos, so she may as well talk to him. Sarah explains that she is not a model any more, and she runs a fashion boutique with a friend. Tony tells her that the readers will not believe that and Sarah takes him to Chez Chez to continue their conversation in private. Tony later gives Catherine an envelope for Sarah before he leaves.
17 October	Mildred Pearson	Judy Johnson	A woman who notices Malcolm Kennedy and Karl Kennedy preparing to cut a lawn nearby. She asks that they keep the noise down, which Mal agrees to do until they start the machines. Mildred tells them that she cannot stand noise and does not want to have to come out to warn them again. As Mal and Karl work, Mildred comes out to tell them to be quiet, as she is trying to listen to the radio. Mal tells her that they have a job to do, and while defending his son, Karl offers to cut Mildred's lawn for free. When they are done, Mildred brings them drinks and tells them about other jobs she needs doing in her garden, which Mal agrees to do.
4–15 November	Lord Steven Harrow	Stewart Morritt	Sarah Beaumont's former fiancé, who comes to Erinsborough to see her. Sarah pretends to be dating Luke Handley, but Steven soon sees through the ruse. Sarah apologises for jilting him and Steven accepts that she does not love him anymore. Toadfish Rebecchi follows Steven back to his hotel and tries to start a fight with him, but he hits his nose on a chair instead. Sarah then invites Steven to dinner and they part as friends.
6 November 1996 – 20 October 1999	Bonnie		A Golden Retriever that Lance Wilkinson finds after she is hit by a car. Lance is allowed to keep the puppy, after asking permission from landlord Philip Martin. Lance and his sister Anne Wilkinson decide to name her Bonnie. When Bonnie goes missing, Anne goes out to find her and meets Billy Kennedy, who helps Anne to look for her. Bonnie remains with the Wilkinsons, and later Martins when Lance and Anne's mother marries Philip. The whole family move to Darwin three years later.
4–10 December	Ned Goodman	Brett Tucker	Lance Wilkinson's boss at the local garden centre. Lance catches Ned selling some plants to smaller businesses on the side and Ned offers him a share of the profits if he keeps quiet. Lance later decides he does not want to be part of Ned's scam and tries to return the money he earned, but Ned tells him he is involved whether he likes it or not. Ned threatens to frame Lance. During the next shift, Lance's friends help him to prove Ned is stealing from the centre. Toadfish Rebecchi steals the keys to the delivery van and Ned tackles him, just as Lance turns up with the owner of the garden centre. Ned tries to run away, but Toadie stops him.
16 December 1996 – 23 January 1997	Vince DeBolfo	Alan King	A man who moves into the share house at Number 30 Ramsay Street. Vince regularly flirts with his female housemates Catherine O'Brien, Joanna Hartman, and Sarah Beaumont, annoying them. When Vince offends them, Catherine and Sarah vow to get rid of him. Catherine, Jo and Sarah tell Vince that they want him to move out, as he is making them uncomfortable, but Vince refuses to leave. He says he will only go if Luke Handley tells him to. When the women realise that Vince is a coward, Catherine pretends that her jealous ex-boyfriend has just been released from jail, which worries him. As Vince locks the windows, Catherine says that will not stop "Russell", who is built like a tank. This convinces Vince to move out and the girls help him pack, before waving him off.

References

• Johnston, Tony (2005). Neighbours: 20 years of Ramsay Street. News Custom Publishing. ISBN 978-1-876176-78-5.

External links

• Characters and cast at the Official Neighbours website
• Characters and cast at the Internet Movie Database

1996 *, Neighbours