The sad thing is there is little to no credibility or respect for either Neighbours or Home and Away. You mention them and you get the smart ass reply ‘oh is that show still on?’. Rather than respect the fact that these shows have both been on air for well over 30 years, producing well over 200 episodes each year, they’re held up against shows like Wentworth who have 10-15 episodes in a season with a much bigger budget. (I’m not criticising Wentworth, I’m just using this as an example). Many actors see working on Neighbours or H&A a step backwards in their career, rather than embracing the possibility of getting a three year contract on a show that’s screened in multiple countries.
Personally, I hate that when it comes to handing out awards it seems both shows are overlooked by the judges. Aside of Eve Morey, who very much deserved the Logie nomination she received a few years ago, I can’t remember when an actor from either show was nominated in industry categories. Admittedly there are still actors on these shows that aren’t all that great, but others have been fantastic and have gone onto much bigger things. Sadly, only then does the media give them any credibility.