Bob Barnett - Barbara Stewart

Barbara Stewart (previously Fisher) is the ex-wife of Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), sister to Alf, Morag, Celia and Debra and mother of Alan (Simon Kay) and Rebecca Fisher (Jane Hall). Barbara Stephens originated the role in 1988 and returned in 1989. Rona McLeod briefly took over the role when the character returned to the serial. In 2005 as a part of Alf's 60th birthday celebrations, Stephens reprised the role. Ann Fay portrayed a younger Barbara in flashbacks in 1989. In 2010, in a flashback to Alf's childhood, a young Barbara was portrayed by Charlie Wynne.

Barbara is first seen on the phone to ex-husband Donald, to say she will be attending of the wedding of her niece Roo (Justine Clarke) to Frank Morgan (Alex Papps). Barbara is unable to attend as Alan is involved in a surfing accident. The following week, Barbara arrives in Summer Bay and announces she has landed a job at the local High School where Donald works, much to his chagrin. They clash over various issues. They eventually make peace and Donald invites Barbara to dinner, but she assumes he is only trying to get back together with her and leaves again. More arguments ensue as Barbara enrols Alan into year twelve, and then reveals to Donald he has an inoperable Brain tumour. After Alan's misbehaviour becomes too much, Barbara throws him out but forgives him when he tries to build bridges with those he has hurt. When Alan dies, Barbara and Donald continue clashing but make their peace. Barbara leaves for the city and tells Donald part of her will always love him. In early 1989, Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) confronts Barbara assuming she is her biological mother and asks why she gave her away. Barbara tells her she is not her real mother. Several years later Barbara returns to the bay at the same time Donald is experiencing strange things happening at home. It emerges that Barbara is trying to kill him in order to obtain his life savings. Rebecca (now played by Belinda Emmett) discovers the truth and Barbara is arrested and later committed to a mental institution. Alf shortly disowns her but they reconcile when she returns for his sixtieth birthday party in 2005.