Easy: Palm Beach in Sydney’s northern beaches. This lies on a headland, the Pacific Ocean on one side. Apart from Manly, I haven’t explored this area. Noted for their beaches, it is mostly accessible by bus and ferry. I have a friend, Cassie, who grew up in the area. She once dated a Pinay. She has a twin sister and a cat. For me, Palm Beach represents the days of yore. Back when I still followed Home and Away. The soapie is set in Palm Beach (Summer Bay). When I returned to Sydney as a teener, it was must-see viewing for Topher. 

Topher Wins

I talked about this show on my 2022 memoir. Allow me to quote it:

Throughout my university days, watching the soap opera Home and Away was a constant. I was on the couch weeknights at seven. Tuesdays of my first year were unsuitable as the lecture with Scoot finished at five-thirty pm. By the time I got home, half the episode was gone. The long-running series is notable for having the freshest faces and a strong youth movement. Instituted in 1988, the production represents an iconic Australian program, with stunning views of Palm Beach (Summer Bay).

Lincoln Lewis played Geoff Campbell, the “Bible boy”. This couldn’t be further from his ladies’ man persona in real life. There was also Maddie, portrayed by the gorgeous Indiana Evans. Aden (Todd Lasance) and Belle (Jessica Tovey) made a cute couple. Celeste Dodwell was convincing as Melody. The show foregrounded important issues such as gender identity, trauma, and foster homes. To this day, to soap continues to underscore key social tropes. The program has become a launch pad to Hollywood for aspiring Aussie actors. Notable alumni include Guy Pearce, Abby Cornish, the late Heath Ledger, Simon Baker (The Mentalist), and Chris Hemsworth. No doubt, the soap opera has been showcasing homegrown talent to the world. To some extent, being a fanatic was reminiscent of Spike Lee’s zeal for the New York Knicks. 

Distant

The distance between my area and Summer Bay is the main reason I haven’t rocked up. Furthermore, I am not fond of sunbathing and swimming. For all its beauty, Palm Beach doesn’t have clear water. The show’s set and the chance to meet up and coming thespians is the main attraction. 

Awards Magnet

Home and Away is one of the nation’s most decorated shows. When it premiered in 1988, Bob Hawke was our Prime Minister. Michael Jordan hadn’t won an NBA chip. I wasn’t even born yet. The shops closed at four pm. Myer was known as Grace Brothers. Aldi hadn’t made it to our shores. Franklins and Woolies battled it out for supermarket supremacy. The metro and light rail were but whimsical fantasies. Novak Djokovic, who would own Melbourne Park, was a year old.

They’ve outlasted Neighbours, the original Hollywood factory. The former has become international, with syndication in New Zealand, the UK, and other markets. Almost forty years since it hit our screens, the production remains very relevant. It continues to bag Logies, our version of the Emmy’s. 

I was hooked for years, until uni commitments made me watch the show less. By the time I was finishing my course, I had outgrown the soapie. Home and Away is a picture into Australia. They showcase the battlers and the surfers, the Aussie Dream and teenage angst. It’s about the pains of growing up. Whether you’re rich or struggling, young or young at heart, boy or girl, they all have their crosses to bear. Being attractive or smart doesn’t make you immune to life’s ups and downs. Ray Meagher’s phrases have become part of Aussie slang. See also: ya flamin’ galah and ya’ flamin’ mongrel

Lasting Bonds

It isn’t just about romantic relationships but enduring friendships. The characters may not even be related by blood. This doesn’t stop them from forming lasting bonds. 

Apart from surfing, rugby league is another sport touched on. Geoff excels as a five-eighth. He refuses to be a pawn in Aden’s match fixing. The show highlights integrity, how we are wise enough to stand for something.

The Crew

The show, in typical soapie fashion, has a large cast of characters. It’s like being a jack of all actors, master of none. In spite of this galaxy of stars, they are able to shine. Lincoln Lewis won a Logie for Best New Talent. Kate Richie (Sally) bagged the Gold Logie. Lynn Collingwood was loveable as the town gossiper. She reminded me of my great aunt Bea, if only she were white. Both of them are 90 this year. I’ll share another excerpt from my memoir:

Once in grade one, my pedagogue asked us to bring clay things to class. I was lucky that my great aunt gave my sister and me a clay moneybox the month before. Unfortunately, the clay fish was of poor quality and broke easily. Regardless, I trooped to class with the ornament, When my turn came to show my homework, I went to the front and revealed the item.

“Very good”, said my science teacher. “One hundred percent.”

Upon presenting my work, the moneybox immediately gave way. I tried my best to avoid being too obvious, but eagle-eyed Adrian had to laugh at the mess. It took everything in me to avoid cracking up; lesson learned.

A slice of history

Will it be around for another forty years? Streaming services, which are more convenient, has curtailed the soap’s dominance. People just have little patience to give up half an hour (or more) each weeknight. The boob tube is a dying medium, just like bricks and mortar shopping. We have been going online more and more. Not just for streaming and shopping, but for food delivery, correspondence, banking and even groceries. Regardless, Summer Bay has carved its place atop Aussie telly history. Through it all, Palm Beach has been along for the ride.

I recently published my debut collection, Musings. With a healthy serving of narrative poetry, it offers more stories. I’d be delighted if you check it out.

Musings (2025)