The sun is setting on one of Summer Bay’s brightest stars as Kirby Aramoana (Angelina Thomson) makes an emotional exit, embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime: a world tour with one of the biggest bands on the planet. While Kirby’s career soars to unprecedented heights, her departure casts a long shadow over those she leaves behind, bringing heartbreak, strained friendships, and a brewing storm that threatens to consume her closest companions. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift, challenging loyalties and revealing hidden struggles within the community.
After months of relentless dedication and personal sacrifice, Kirby’s solo album has finally launched to resounding success. The journey was challenging, particularly with producer Remi (Adam Rowland) disappearing under pressure, yet the final product exceeded Kirby’s dreams. Thanks to influencer Avalon (Gemma Dart) promoting her music, it caught the attention of key industry professionals, including a contact of Justin Stewart (James Stewart), who offered Kirby an unparalleled opportunity: to join The Chosen, a globally renowned band, on their European tour.
The magnitude of the offer left Kirby speechless. Justin, a constant mentor and father figure, guided her through the implications, affirming his belief in her readiness for this transformative experience, despite its demanding nature. Remi, though stunned, offered his support. “You can’t stay and wonder ‘what if’. This is your time, Kirbs,” he encouraged her. However, Remi harbored a dark secret. As Kirby prepared for her meeting, Avalon sent a gift basket containing a sachet of the same illicit drugs she’d given Remi weeks prior—substances he’d used to push through his album deadline before collapsing from exhaustion.
Though Remi made it to the album launch, the secret of his drug use festered. Sonny (Ryan Bown) knew the truth and planned to confide in Bree (Juliet Godwin), who already sensed something was amiss. But Remi, consumed by paranoia, intercepted their beachside meeting, aggressively driving Sonny away to prevent the revelation. Later, Remi desperately pleaded with Sonny to maintain silence, insisting his drug use was a singular, desperate lapse. Reluctantly, Sonny agreed, leaving Bree agonizingly in the dark.
Upon their return, Kirby and Justin delivered game-changing news: The Chosen’s offer had expanded. Kirby wasn’t just supporting their European tour; she was joining their entire world tour. It was official: Kirby Aramoana was leaving Summer Bay tomorrow.
The news sent a profound ripple through her tight-knit circle, particularly affecting Lyrik bandmates Eden (Stephanie Panozzo) and Remi. While they outwardly cheered her on, raw emotions simmered. “It’s hard not to feel like we’re the ones being left behind,” Eden confided, expressing concern for their future as a band. During a bittersweet farewell toast at Salt, Eden reminded Remi of his indispensable role in Kirby’s rise: “You produced the album that’s sending her into the stratosphere.” Remi’s somber response, “Yeah, even if I can’t do the same for myself,” revealed his burgeoning insecurities.
Back at the shared house, Lyrik launched into an emotional rendition of “Explosions on the Brain,” the song that marked their start. The moment was nostalgic, powerful, and devastating for Remi. As Eden and Kirby retired, Remi, unable to face his emotions, drifted to Avalon’s house, where his inner demons found an open invitation.
The next morning, Kirby embraced the sunrise with a final surf, joined by a wistful Eden. They shared a poignant moment, expressing how profoundly they would miss each other. As Eden softly sang, Kirby performed a traditional Cook Island dance, a symbolic farewell under the golden morning sun. Justin joined Kirby for a final, emotional walk along the beach. He broke the news that he couldn’t manage her international career from overseas, but had secured a new global agent. Kirby fought back tears, overwhelmed by gratitude. “I wouldn’t be here without you,” she whispered, acknowledging his profound impact.
Meanwhile, Remi remained at Avalon’s, confessing his feelings of abandonment. Avalon, manipulative and self-serving, soothed him with flattery, further drawing him into her orbit. When Bree desperately called, Remi ignored her, slipping deeper into a world offering superficial comfort. Back in Summer Bay, Bree spiraled with worry as Remi failed to return calls. Sonny tried to calm her, but when Remi failed to show for Kirby’s farewell, Bree’s fear escalated into dread.
Kirby arrived at the surf club to a heartwarming surprise: a pink Cadillac from Eden, and her friends Justin, Bree, Mac (Emily Weir), Abigail (Hailey Pinto), Marilyn (Emily Symons), and Leah (Ada Nicodemou) showering her with love. Yet, Kirby couldn’t stop scanning the crowd for Remi. Seeing her heartbreak, Bree lied: “He’s caught in traffic. He’s really sorry, but you shouldn’t be late.” With a final, tearful embrace for Eden, Kirby stepped into the car, driving off into her new life.
Sonny, determined to uncover the truth, visited Avalon’s house. He found Remi, distant and defensive, surrounded by empty sachets—undeniable evidence of drug use. Sonny accused him of relapsing, which Remi vehemently denied, but it was clear things were spiraling. Back in the Bay, Sonny finally revealed the devastating truth to Eden: “Remi’s been using.” Meanwhile, at Avalon’s, guilt settled on Remi. Kirby’s unheard voicemail haunted him. “You didn’t say goodbye because you didn’t want her to leave,” Avalon provocatively suggested. As Remi turned to leave, Avalon kissed him. Remi hesitated, then succumbed, deepening his destructive entanglement.
But Kirby’s departure and Remi’s spiral weren’t the only turmoils gripping Summer Bay. Theo Poulos (Matt Evans), hoping for a fresh start, was thrust into another harrowing crisis. He sold his car—linked to past trauma, betrayal, and illegal racing—for $25,000 cash, believing this would allow him to move on. However, walking to the bank, he was ambushed by Ryan (Chris Stanley), knocked unconscious, and the money stolen. Theo, already recovering from severe injuries sustained from the River Boys, was rushed back to Northern Districts Hospital. His future remains uncertain; can he ever truly escape the pervasive shadows of his troubled past?
Kirby’s powerful farewell marks a pivotal, dramatic shift in the lives of those closest to her in Summer Bay. As she embarks on her global journey, her absence leaves a profound vacuum, a space quickly filled with brewing secrets, escalating pain, and a dangerous slide into self-destruction for those left navigating the aftermath. The Bay is left to grapple with the repercussions of ambition, addiction, and the enduring echoes of a troubled past.
