This week on Home and Away, emotions run high as Irene Roberts makes a life-changing decision that sends shockwaves through Summer Bay. While young romances bloom and family feuds intensify, one woman’s bold announcement threatens to reshape the community she has called home for decades.

A Playful Afternoon Turns Bittersweet

The episode begins with a rare moment of joy as Dana Matheson and Sunny Baldwin embrace the carefree spirit of youth. Their afternoon kite-flying session quickly turns into laughter, playful banter, and tender moments along the beach. For a while, the world feels light, as though nothing could disturb their growing bond. But the sunshine over Summer Bay is fleeting. Once Dana returns to Irene’s beach house, she stumbles into a far heavier atmosphere.

There, John Palmer is once again attempting to persuade Irene to rethink her recent decisions. He expresses concern that she has been too quick to part with her personal belongings, a habit that has left those around her uneasy. Though his words come from a place of care, John’s persistence only highlights Irene’s inner struggle — and the weight of the choice she has been carrying.

Irene’s Confession

Later, Irene sits down with Sunny in a deeply heartfelt conversation. Opening up in a way she rarely does, she reflects on the countless faces who have passed through her iconic beach house over the past thirty years — friends, family members, and lodgers who helped shape her life. With her Alzheimer’s diagnosis looming in the background, Irene has been flooded with sentimentality, thinking about legacy, love, and the fleeting nature of time.

She confides that her illness has shifted her perspective. Every day feels precious, and she no longer wants to postpone the adventures she once dreamed about. Sunny, offering quiet support, tells her that life is too short to wait. His encouragement is exactly what she needs to hear.

The Announcement That Shakes Summer Bay

The following morning, Irene stuns everyone with her revelation: she is selling her beloved beach house and leaving Summer Bay behind to travel the world. For Irene, it isn’t just about selling property — it’s about reclaiming her independence and writing her own story while she still can.

Her words leave her friends and family reeling. The beach house has always been a cornerstone of the community, a place of comfort and belonging. The thought of Irene letting it go feels like the end of an era. Yet Irene stands firm, determined to embrace this new chapter with courage.

Joe and Lacy’s Family Rift Deepens

While Irene’s decision dominates the Bay, another storm brews within the Langham family. Joe Langham’s relationship with her sister Lacy continues to deteriorate. Every attempt Joe makes at reconciliation ends in a fresh round of accusations. Lacy insists Joe is responsible for a private investigator abruptly abandoning the inquiry into their mother’s mysterious death. Joe, however, passionately denies any involvement. The truth behind the investigator’s withdrawal remains elusive, leaving the sisters more divided than ever.

After another heated confrontation, Joe finds unexpected relief in running into Tane Parata. Their chance meeting brings a moment of calm, and the two arrange to meet later at Salt for a casual catch-up. Could this finally be an opportunity for Joe and Tane to explore something deeper without outside interference?

Trouble at Salt

At first, Joe and Tane’s meeting seems promising. Their conversation flows easily, and there’s a spark of hope for something genuine. But the mood shifts when Tane steps away to the bar. Alone, Joe overhears a phone call intended for him — a call from Harper Matheson’s ex-fiancé and the mother of his child. Unable to resist temptation, Joe intercepts the call, making a snap decision that could have serious consequences.

What begins as curiosity quickly veers into dangerous territory. Has Joe crossed a line that could damage not only her fragile relationship with Tane but also her own integrity?

The Week Ahead in Summer Bay

As the episode closes, Irene’s shocking decision continues to ripple through the Bay. Her friends struggle to process the idea of losing both her presence and the symbolic heart of the community — the beach house. Meanwhile, Joe’s risky move threatens to derail her fresh start with Tane, and the rift with Lacy shows no signs of healing.

With secrets still buried, rivalries heating up, and Irene preparing for her boldest adventure yet, Summer Bay stands on the edge of major change. Viewers are left wondering: will Irene’s departure bring peace and freedom, or will it fracture the bonds she’s spent her life building?