Irene is your classic Aussie battler. Down to earth and with a wry sense of humour, she's always good for a yarn and a laugh. It doesn't matter who you are, young or old, Irene's door is always open to you.
Irene came to Summer Bay to make up with her kids, Finn and Damien, who were being fostered by Pippa. They'd been taken away from Irene because she was an alcoholic and couldn't look after them properly. Her other son, Nathan was in jail. Having her kids taken away was the wake-up call Irene needed to beat her addiction.
With her alcoholism behind her, Irene has made Summer Bay her home. For a long time Irene worked in the Bayside Diner, and she is now part owner of the Beachside Diner. It's a good way for her to keep an eye on the kids she looks after.
Irene fell into caring for kids by accident. Because she's easy-going and doesn't judge people, kids could talk to her. The next thing she knew Irene had a house full of them. Lucky for them, Irene wouldn't have it any other way. Helping kids in need has given her a second chance at being a mum, and the opportunity to make up for all the mistakes she made with her own kids.
Relationship status
Irene is not with anyone at the moment.
Past relationships
Unfortunately, her fiancée, Ken, was killed after being crushed under a car he was fixing. Irene and Kim’s father, Barry Hyde, lived together for a while, but it didn't work out and parted as friends.
Family
She's helped raise too many kids (her own and others’) to list here!
Friends
Irene is loved and respected by all.
Living arrangements
Belle is back living with Irene and she has now taken in young Annie and Geoff.
