Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1988, by order of first appearance. Until February, characters were introduced by the soap's creator and executive producer, Reg Watson. Thereafter, they were introduced by his successor, Don Battye. Battye's episodes began airing from 14 March. The 4th season of Neighbours began airing from 13 January 1988. February saw the introduction of Sally Jensen and Kristian Schmid as siblings and . Comedian Greg Fleet began portraying criminal in March. Tom Oliver began playing in the same month. arrived in May, as did and her mother . was introduced the following month. July saw the arrivals of , played by Rachel Friend, her sister , played by Jessica Muschamp, and Mark Stevens as . Mark Little began playing Joe Mangel, son of the established Nell Mangel from August. Irene Inescort arrived as Bronwyn and Sharon's aunt, in the same month. September saw the debut of . Mat Stevenson took on the role of in October, and Joe's son made his first appearance in November, as did Colin Handley as .