Big changes are on the horizon for Summer Bay’s newest arrival, Lacey, as she’s faced with a life-changing decision in the Home and Away episode airing Tuesday, 23 July. In a completely unexpected turn of events, Justin Morgan offers Lacey a job at the Garage—shocking both the residents of the Bay and Lacey herself.
Since arriving in Summer Bay, Lacey has been trying to find her footing. She’s helped out at Salt, bonded with locals, and even begun to open up about her past. But this week, everything takes a sharp turn when Justin sees something in her that no one else has: potential as a mechanic.
The offer comes after a moment of serendipity—Lacey helps Theo out when one of the garage vehicles has a minor breakdown near the beach. With quick thinking and surprising instincts, Lacey manages to spot a loose hose and suggests a temporary fix that actually works. Justin, impressed by her confidence and calm under pressure, begins to rethink his assumptions about her.
Later that day, Justin pulls Lacey aside and, to her complete surprise, offers her a trial apprenticeship at the Garage. He explains that while she doesn’t have formal training, she clearly has a natural talent for problem-solving, a cool head, and a willingness to learn—all the traits he values in a mechanic.
Lacey is visibly stunned. This kind of opportunity is not something she expected, especially given her rocky start in Summer Bay. She initially moved to the coastal town hoping to find clarity, not a career. Now, with this offer on the table, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.
But the decision isn’t just about her future—it also creates ripple effects for those around her.
Mackenzie Booth, who has been mentoring Lacey at Salt, is taken aback when she hears the news. Mac had recently planned to offer Lacey a more permanent role at the restaurant, especially since they’ve just launched a new community outreach initiative that Lacey had shown interest in. Feeling both disappointed and blindsided, Mac struggles to hide her frustration.
Meanwhile, Theo is caught in a complicated emotional space. On one hand, he respects Justin’s decision and doesn’t mind sharing the workspace. On the other, he feels uncertain about how Lacey will fit in with the team—especially when she’s never even changed a tire before. There’s also a flicker of jealousy: could Justin be grooming Lacey to take on more responsibility at the Garage, possibly even over Theo?
Adding to the tension is Kirby, who has grown close to Lacey in recent weeks. She warns her friend to think carefully before jumping into something she’s not passionate about. Kirby knows what it’s like to make choices out of convenience rather than conviction, and she doesn’t want to see Lacey lose sight of herself.
But it’s not all hesitation and doubt. Irene, ever the voice of wisdom, gives Lacey a heartfelt pep talk. She tells her that sometimes the universe opens doors we never even knew we wanted to walk through—and it’s okay to explore the unknown. Lacey, moved by Irene’s words, begins to seriously consider the offer—not because she wants to impress anyone, but because she’s finally starting to believe in herself.
As the episode ends, Lacey finds herself standing at a literal crossroads—staring down the road to the Garage, weighing her options, and knowing that whatever she chooses will shape her future in Summer Bay.
Will she embrace the unexpected and take a chance on something completely new? Or will she stick with the path she originally came to the Bay to follow?
One thing is certain: this is the beginning of a brand-new chapter for Lacey, and her choice could impact not only her own journey, but also the dynamics of those around her. With tensions rising, friendships shifting, and opportunities knocking, Summer Bay is in for another emotional rollercoaster.
Don’t miss this must-see episode of Home and Away on Tuesday, 23 July, as Lacey takes her first steps toward a surprising new destiny.
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