Christie Hayes
An Australian actress who grew up on screen as a beloved Summer Bay resident before finding her voice in radio.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Australian actress and singer·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Christie Hayes stepped into the national spotlight as a teenager, landing the role of Kirsty Phillips on the iconic soap opera 'Home and Away.' For years, viewers watched her character navigate teen romance, dramatic plotlines, and the sunny chaos of Summer Bay, making her a familiar face in Australian households. After a long initial run, she left the show, exploring other acting opportunities and stage work, but the pull of the Bay was strong, and she returned for another stint. In a savvy career pivot, Hayes later channeled her on-screen warmth and relatability into a new medium: radio. She co-hosted the 'Dan & Christie Breakfast' show, trading scripted drama for morning banter and interviews, proving her versatility as a performer. Her career arc reflects a journey from youthful television star to a adaptable media personality comfortable in both dramatic and spontaneous formats.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Christie was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Christie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Christie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Kirsty Phillips on 'Home and Away' across two separate periods from 2000 to 2005 and 2008 to 2009.
- Co-hosted the 'Dan & Christie Breakfast' radio show on Sydney's 2Day FM starting in 2022.
- Nominated for a 'Most Popular New Female Talent' Logie Award in 2001 for her work on 'Home and Away'.
Did You Know?
Her sister, Katherine Hayes, is also an actress who appeared on 'Home and Away' as a different character.
She is a trained singer and dancer in addition to her acting work.
She performed in the Australian stage production of the musical 'Grease' in the role of Frenchy.
“I've grown up on screen, and Summer Bay will always feel like home.”
