The Australian television industry is in mourning following the heartbreaking passing of Home and Away icon Belinda Giblin, who died peacefully

at her home after a period of declining health. She was 75. News of her death has sent a wave of grief through the entertainment community and among generations of

viewers who grew up watching her unforgettable performances on screen.

In a statement released by her family, Giblin was remembered not only as a gifted actress, but as a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. While they acknowledged the overwhelming outpouring of love and tributes from fans and colleagues, they also asked for privacy as they come to terms with an immense personal loss. Those closest to her shared that despite her health struggles in recent years, Belinda remained warm, upbeat, and quick-witted to the very end—qualities that defined both her personal life and her career.

For many viewers, Belinda Giblin will forever be synonymous with Martha Stewart, the first wife of Summer Bay stalwart Alf Stewart. When Giblin first appeared on Home and Away, her character quickly became woven into the emotional fabric of the show. Martha was gentle, complicated, and deeply human—a woman whose love story with Alf left a lasting imprint on the series long after her initial departure.

What made Giblin’s contribution to Home and Away especially powerful was the way her character defied expectations. For years, Martha was believed to have died off-screen, becoming part of Alf’s tragic past and emotional history. Then, in 2018, the show delivered one of its most shocking and emotionally charged twists: Martha was alive. Her dramatic return to Summer Bay stunned audiences and reignited one of the most poignant relationships the series had ever portrayed.

Belinda Giblin approached Martha’s return with remarkable sensitivity and depth. The storyline tackled heavy themes, including serious illness and borderline personality disorder, and required a performance rooted in vulnerability and truth. Giblin delivered exactly that. Her portrayal was widely praised for its realism, compassion, and emotional honesty, bringing nuance to a character who could easily have been reduced to a plot device.

Central to the storyline was Martha’s renewed connection with Alf Stewart, played by Ray Meagher. Their on-screen chemistry was immediate and deeply affecting, reminding viewers why Alf and Martha had always been considered one of Home and Away’s most enduring love stories. Together, Giblin and Meagher created moments of quiet heartbreak and tenderness that resonated far beyond Summer Bay. For many fans, their scenes were among the most emotional the show had ever aired.

Following news of her passing, Ray Meagher paid tribute to his former co-star, describing Belinda as both a dear friend and an exceptional acting partner. He praised her talent, generosity, and kindness, noting that working alongside her was a privilege he would always treasure. His words echoed the sentiments of countless colleagues who remembered Giblin as a consummate professional—someone who elevated every project she was part of.

Belinda Giblin’s legacy, however, extends far beyond Home and Away. Born on March 2, 1950, she enjoyed a long and respected career in Australian television and theatre. Long before her return to Summer Bay, she had already cemented her place as a familiar and trusted face on screen, appearing in some of the country’s most influential productions.

Her television credits included acclaimed series such as The Box, The Sullivans, and Sons and Daughters, where she consistently demonstrated her versatility as a performer. Whether playing strong-willed women, vulnerable characters, or complex antagonists, Giblin brought intelligence and emotional depth to every role. Directors and fellow actors often spoke of her adaptability and her instinctive understanding of character, qualities that made her a joy to work with.

In addition to her screen work, Giblin was a highly regarded stage actress, known for her discipline, preparation, and deep respect for the craft of acting. Theatre colleagues frequently noted her ability to command an audience with subtlety rather than spectacle, using stillness and emotional truth to draw people in. It was this same approach that made her television performances feel so authentic and enduring.

As tributes continue to pour in, fans have taken to social media to share their favorite memories of Giblin’s work. Many have spoken about how Martha Stewart’s story helped them understand grief, forgiveness, and the complexities of love later in life. Others recalled discovering Giblin through her earlier roles and following her career for decades, grateful for the consistency and integrity she brought to Australian drama.

What makes Belinda Giblin’s passing particularly poignant is the way her work mirrored real life: honest, flawed, tender, and quietly powerful. She was never an actress who demanded attention, yet she commanded it effortlessly. Her performances lingered long after the credits rolled, staying with viewers in moments of reflection and emotion.

While the curtain has fallen on Belinda Giblin’s remarkable life, her legacy will continue to live on through the characters she brought to life and the stories she helped tell. For Home and Away fans, Martha Stewart will always be part of Summer Bay’s history—a symbol of love lost, love rediscovered, and the bittersweet nature of second chances.

As the Australian television community says goodbye to one of its most respected performers, there is comfort in knowing that Belinda Giblin’s work will endure, continuing to touch audiences for years to come. Her talent, warmth, and humanity ensured that she was more than just an actress on a screen—she was a storyteller who understood the heart.

Belinda Giblin will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.