Tane grew attached to the child, and unable to become a foster carer himself without first going through the process of applying for permanent residency, he asked Roo if she would be willing to step up to the plate in the interim.

Although the baby’s real mother, Sonia (Olivia Beardsley), eventually showed up and, with support, was able to take her daughter back into her care, Roo was inspired to push forward with her application regardless.

Next week, Roo rounds up Alf and Marilyn at the front of the house for a briefing, explaining that they’ll be taking in a 14-year-old girl named Eliza Sherwood (Martha Kate Morgan).

Eliza has been in care for the past four years, and needs a new placement urgently after her last foster home was destroyed in a fire.

As they prepare for the new arrival that very evening, Roo admits to Marilyn that despite having completed the relevant courses, she’s already having some self-doubt.

Marilyn reminds her of the success she had in nurturing Maddy (Kassandra Clementi) and nephew Ryder (Lukas Radovich) over the years, and reaffirms that she and Alf will be there to support her along the way.

A short time later, Roo returns to the house with Eliza and introduces her to Alf and Marilyn.