Kate O'Connor - Home and Away Characters

Kate O’Connor (2000)
Kris McQuade
Episodes: 2833–2838

Occupation: Artist

Kate was the aunt of Shauna, a somewhat unconventional person who arrived in town to visit her niece who had been living in Summer Bay since the previous year. Despite not getting on with her sister Margaret, she was close to Shauna, at one point commenting that Shauna should have been hers and advising her over her difficult relationship with Harry Reynolds.

Kate’s arrival was a shock to the system for Ailsa, who knew her of old. Although they claimed they were at school together, they had in fact been cellmates in prison. Kate mentioned her time in jail to Shauna but kept quiet about the fact Ailsa had been there. She then asked Ailsa what she thought of Shauna, explaining she had encouraged Shauna to come to Summer Bay in the hope that Ailsa would meet her and get to know her.

Ailsa revealed the full story to Alf: She had become pregnant while in jail after being raped by a guard. Kate had been released before Ailsa’s baby was born, having served her time, so offered to find a home for it. Kate had originally intended to adopt the girl herself, but Margaret had convinced her that her bohemian lifestyle was no place for a child, so she had reluctantly let Margaret and her husband Bill adopt her. Kate left Ailsa with the knowledge that Shauna was her daughter, saying it was up to her whether or not to tell her.