Neighbours

Steve Parker is the elder brother of Stuart and Ned Parker. Until the move to Erinsborough, Steve had been living in Sydney with his vivacious wife Miranda and their two adopted children, Bridget and Riley. However, Steve has had ties to Ramsay Street for quite a while: he grew up in Oakey with Drew Kirk, Susan and Karl Kennedy’s late son-in-law.

Originally from country Queensland, Steve’s a vet who specialises in caring for native wildlife. He delights in sharing his work with his animal-loving daughter, whom he’s particularly close to, and they regularly enjoy grossing out city slicker Miranda with all the icky details of a vet’s life.

Steve radiates an easy-going, quiet strength except when confronted with the mistreatment of an animal or person that can’t defend themselves. Then, and only then, do you get a glimpse of gruff, forbidding Steve, who will go to almost any lengths to protect the vulnerable.

Steve feels things very deeply but (much like his younger brother Ned) he’s not great at articulating his emotions. His daughter Bridget shares his soft, sensitive streak but, unlike Steve, she’s utterly open and transparent with her emotions; something that only increases Steve’s need to shelter and protect her from the world.

Steve’s not as socially polished as his wife, Miranda, and he often embarrasses her with his direct and sometimes tactless ways. While he doesn’t mean any harm he frequently ends up with his foot in his mouth in public, and Miranda takes it upon herself to smooth over any ruffled feathers. Although Steve might grumble about it, he’s usually secretly grateful. He and Miranda make a great team.

Of his two brothers, Steve is closer in personality to Stu: both blessed with the same larrikin good humour and ease of manner. However he’s closer in relationship to his baby brother Ned. Despite the fact that Ned has towered over him since a growth spurt at the age twelve, Steve has always felt very protective of the youngest Parker. He (quite rightly) fears others taking advantage of Ned’s naïve nature… although naturally that doesn’t stop him and Miranda from bossing his little brother around.

Just like Miranda, Steve is community minded and a real family man. However, his impetuous nature often lands him in trouble with his wife. When Steve bid way over their agreed budget to buy Number 26, Miranda was furious and it caused a real rift in their marriage. Miranda was forced to give up her event organising business to focus on running their one successful business (the veterinary clinic) and both Parkers have been forced to take second jobs as cleaners at Erinsborough High.

Steve also has a tricky relationship with his father Jim. But what’s the truth behind their dark history?