A Country Practice: episode guide

1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994

Rocking the Boat

Episodes 445-446
Produced by Forrest Redlich and Bruce Best
Written by Hugh Stuckey & Bill Searle (445) and Leon Saunders (446)
Directed by Vince Martin

Ben receives an invitation to a conference in Perth and Donna is determined to go along — as Mrs. Ben Green. Jo goes along with them to search for her mother. Kenny Mitchell, a simple boy, comes down with appendicitis and finds himself sharing a room with a bitter young man. Jo spends her birthday in search of her mother and stakes out the local post office. Kenny helps his patient overcome his bitterness and gives him the courage to face an uncertain future.

Guest Cast: Arky Michael as Kenny Mitchell, Richard Morgan as Wayne Baker, Rod Hall as Desk Clerk, Bernie Davis as Man at Post Office, Mariette Rups-Donnelly as Woman at Post Office; Jennifer Hagan as Thelma Baker, Barry Barkla as Professor Ridgeway-Fox

Bitter Sweet

Episodes 447-448
Written by Shane Brennan (447) and Dave Worthington (448)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

While Frank and Shirley are in America visiting Vicky, Simon, and the twins, Frank is replaced by an upfront policewoman, Sgt. Sally Moore. A sales rep for a drug company tries to sell cheap drugs to farmers in the Valley. Ron Kelly buys some, but as a result of using them incorrectly, threatens the Valley's milk supplies. Ben is victimised by irate farmers when he announces that the whole milk supply of the Valley will have to be dumped. Alex becomes godmother to young Penny Richards. Ben's surgery is vandalised.

Guest Cast: Jim Kemp as Dan Richards, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Tom Richards as Ron Kelly, Wendy Tynan as Sally Moore, Rosslyn Powell as Mrs Jay, Ian Spence as Oscar Dalton, Keith Holloway as Farmer No. 1, Phillip De Carle as Farmer No. 2, Ross Hall as Farmer No. 3, Harold Jones as Farmer No. 4; Kim Knuckey as Farmer No. 5, Alan Faulkner as Reverend

One With the Lot

Episodes 449-450
Written by Tony Morphett (449) and Forrest Redlich (450)
Directed by Robert Meillon

An older woman has a difficult decision to make when she learns that she is pregnant and has a one-in-two chance of having a deformed child. Kenny Mitchell gets a job at the road-house but ends up getting into trouble with the boss. Sally sets her sights on Ben. Kenny loses his job at the road-house but regains it after he saves the boss's son.

Guest Cast: Wendy Tynan as Sally Moore, Arky Michael as Kenny Mitchell, Elaine Hudson as Tracey Curruthers, Dennis Grosvenor as Ian Curruthers Snr., Amber Cameron as Mandy Curruthers, Christopher Dibb as Randolph Muldoon, Justin Rosniak as Ian Curruthers Jnr.; Alan Faulkner as Reverend Michaels

Caught in the Act

Episodes 451-452
Written by Patrea Smallacombe and Tom Mitchell (451) and Judith Colquhoun (452)
Directed by Riccardo Pellizzeri

There is a burglar on the loose in Wandin Valley. Esme is among the victims and Sgt. Moore is finding it a difficult case to solve. Donna and Jo, not wanting to see Ben get too involved with Sally, decide to sabotage their date. Mrs. Coote is upset by her daughter's harsh reaction when she tells her that the Major has proposed to her. Peter decides to impress Alex by putting up a TV aerial for her and he finally gets her alone — when they get stranded on the roof for the night. Mrs. Coote and Major Duggan get married.

Guest Cast: Wendy Tynan as Sally Moore, Queenie Ashton as Mrs. Coote, Ken Fraser as Major Duggan, Julie McGregor as Myrtle Burnett, May Lloyd as Laura Monti, Adam Spendlove as Tony Monti, Elizabeth Gentle as Mary Kellaway, Leigh Morgan as Louise Kellaway, Sara Wallace as Maudie Stewart; Lani John Tupu as Richard Monti Mark Stockley as Burglar, Alan Faulkner as Reverend Michaels

No Place For a Lady

Episodes 453-454
Written by Sheila Sibley (453) and ??? (454)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Wandin Valley battens down the hatches and prepares for Big Jules' annual visit. Frank is treating Sally as if she's incapable of handling anything other than paperwork and she's had enough! Donna is fed-up with having to do all the housework at Camelot and decides it's time for a role reversal, but Ben and Peter have other ideas. Sally files an official complaint against Frank. Alex plays Cupid in an attempt to help Jules and Myrtle Burnett solve their problems.

Guest Cast: Frank Lloyd as Maxwell Lawrence, Ric Carter as Big Jules, Vicky Clare as Abby Stanton, Julie McGregor as Myrtle Burnett, Wendy Tynan as Sally Moore, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Allan Chapple as Truckie; [not available]

Tall In the Saddle

Episodes 455-456
Written by Betty Quin (455) and Bill Searle (456)
Directed by

Shirley convinces Jo to audition for a television commercial. Cowboy Hank "Lash" McCoy and his family arrive in town to perform a Wild West show for the primary school and Alex is rather put out by Peter's interest in one of the show's stars. Jo prepares to make her television debut while Frank acts the part of a nervous stage mother.

Guest Cast: Anne Semler as Estelle Rivers-McCoy, Frank Wilson as Hank Lash McCoy, Kate Raison as Darleen McCoy, John Orcsik as Sam Venuti, Ian Gilmour as Director, Amanda Hutchings as Lucy Mannix, Digby Thomas as Mr Sutton, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards

Notes: an early guest role for Kate Raison who returns in a regular role in 1987 as Cathy Hayden. Ian Gilmour makes his third appearance (93-94 and 235-236), coincidentally playing a director in this episode, a profession he would go on to noted success in.

Times are a' Changing

Episodes 457-458
Written by David Boutland (457) and Stephen Measday and Tim Pye (458)
Directed by Riccardo Pellizzeri

Andrew McPherson, an old friend of Alex's, has come to the Valley for a break. Peter is jealous and feels he can't compete with Andrew, a hot-shot city lawyer. When the principal decides to bring home some "good old-fashioned discipline" back to Burrigan High, the students rebel and Jo organises a protest. Alex learns that Andrew has a drug problem but has a hard time convincing him to do something about it. Jo is elected president of the new student council. Peter shows his jealousy by giving Alex the cold shoulder

Guest Cast: Mark Ferguson as Andrew McPherson, Tony Blackett as Gordon Penny, Russell Newman as Harry Moffitt, Gavin Harrison as "J.J." Moffitt, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Darren Percival as Darren Greenway, Wesley Patten as Billy, Matthew Ross as School Kid

Note: another early guest role by a future series star, Gavin Harrison returns to play Hugo Strzelecki from 1992-93.

Foul Play

Episodes 459-460
Written by Judith Colquhoun (459) and Hugh Stuckey (460)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Jo is booked to do a TV commercial for fresh chickens but is horrified when she sees the conditions at the farm. Who are the mysterious "Woman of the World" and "Man about Town" conducting a hot romance through the personal column of the Burrigan Examiner? Hilda Arrowsmith is admitted to the hospital, much to Matron Sloan's horror. Andrew realises the quiet life is not for him and returns to Sydney. Maggie uncovers the identity of the "Woman of the World" and reaches a compromise with Matron Arrowsmith.

Guest Cast: June Salter as Hilda Arrowsmith, Mark Ferguson as Andrew McPherson, Hanni Witt as Netty Kowalski, Jeff Ashby as Walter Kirkman, Lech Mackiewicz as Ivan Kowalski, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Johnathan Biggins as Graham BIggs; May Pusey as Deidre Foster

Hit and Run

Episodes 461-462
Written by Andrew Kennedy (461) and Carol Williams (462)
Directed by Mike Smith

Peter takes pity on teenage runaway Stewart Pedler and lets him stay at Camelot, much to Donna and Ben's dismay. Jo saves a dog from a cruel fate. Battle-lines are drawn for the cricket match between Wandin Valley and Burrigan — this isn't just a game — it's war! Peter is devastated when he realises the Stewart was just stringing him along. The Wandin Valley batting order collapses, can Esme save the day?

Guest Cast: June Salter as Hilda Arrowsmith, Kelan Angel as Stewart Pedlar, Gordon Poole as Charlie McCarthy, Tommy Mack as Cecil Villawood; Ric Carter as Big Jules

Odds On

Episodes 463-464
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (463) and Shane Brennan (464)
Directed by Robert Meillon

A reformed gambler finds the temptation too hard to resist. Esme is also bitten by the gambling bug when Cookie installs a new poker machine in the club. Peter is feeling off-colour and decides to take the day off work. Jo and her friend Robyn hold a fashion parade at the club. Peter's life hangs in the balance when he suffers a severe allergic reaction on the operating table and Alex realises just how much he means to her.

Guest Cast: Kris Bidenko as Robyn Hacking, Grigor Taylor as Len Hacking, Annie Byron as Carol Hacking, Nicholas Forster as Sam, Debbie Angus as Mrs Melrose, Stephanie Budrodeen as Little Girl; Norman Coburn as Bookie

Lost for Words

Episodes 465-466
Written by Betty Quin (465) and Judith Colquhoun (466)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Peter and Alex organise a romantic weekend away in Sydney but it doesn't go according to plan when Alex's father is found to be staying in the same hotel. Donna falls for a mysterious newcomer. Terence tries to help a couple whose marriage is falling apart due to their lack of communication. Donna is shattered when she learns that Matt has bone cancer. Frank is not impressed by Jo's taste in men when she brings home her new boyfriend — Tyrone the surfie! Alex is forced to go to England when she hears that her grandmother is ill.

Guest Cast: Anna Volska as Annette Muir, John Sheerin as Doug Muir, Louise Blackwell as Janine Muir, Tom Appleton as Matt Thompson, Howard Vernon as Mr Fraser, Bernadette Hayes as Sister Sue Daley, Shane McNamara as Hotel Porter, Tony Benedict-Smith as Waiter, Alexis Jones as Rosie Muir; Paul Kelman as Tyrone Waters, Hugh Wade as Auctioneer, Robert Underhill as Bidder, Digby Thomas as Buyer

Creative Play

Episodes 467-468
Written by Dave Worthington (467) and Forrest Redlich (468)
Directed by Chris Adshead, LOC: Peter Maxwell

Donna finds her nursing skills challenged and ends up resigning after a battle with a middle-aged Valium addict. Frank cannot stand much more of Tyrone and tries to spend as much time out of the house as possible. When Peter catches young Penny Richards and George McElroy in Alex's house they decide to get back at him with the help of a magic potion. Matt checks out of the hospital and pays Donna a visit.

Guest Cast: Tom Appleton as Matt Thompson, Paul Kelman as Tyrone Waters, Julie Godfrey as Sylvia Dawes, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy, Margi Gerard as Cynthia, Stephanie Lewis as Elyse, Kay Eklund as Friend, Marc Caleb as Henry, Jamie Walter as Wayne; Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie

Outsiders

Episodes 469-470
Written by Craig WIlkins (469) and Alister Webb (470)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Jo and Ben visit a rundown farm and suspect something is amiss. Peter and Bob repair an old radio and pick up a distress signal — from a UFO! Matron Sloan leaves for Darwin to spend some time with her sister and chaos is quick to break out when Sue Daley is left in charge. Hilda Arrowsmith arrives at the hospital and announces that she is their new Acting Matron. The Shelley children move in with Frank and Shirley when their mother is admitted to hospital. Peter is longing for Alex's return.

Guest Cast: Beverly Blankenship as Lydia Shelley, Bernadette Hayes as Sister Sue Daley, Gordon Poole as Charlie MacCarthy, Ella Scott as Agnes Shelley, Ned Curthoys as Roland Shelley, Veronica Koca as Muriel Shelley, Mary Haire as Mrs Nettle, Rachel Martin as Nurse; June Salter as Matron Hilda Arrowsmith

A Nice Girl Like You

Episodes 471-472
Written by Patrea Smallacombe (471) and Tom Mitchell (472)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Adam Campbell takes a fancy to Jo and invites her to a party at his house, but disaster strikes when they are involved in a car accident while on the way home. Matron Arrowsmith sets out to seduce Terence and ambushes him in the hospital storeroom. Cookie and Bob can see the dollar signs flashing before their eyes when they buy a racehorse. Frank is determined to find out who is to blame for the car accident that has left Jo in a coma with possible brain damage. Peter drives down to Sydney to meet Alex at the airport and ends up helping a damsel in distress.

Guest Cast: June Salter as Hilda Arrowsmith, Vincent Ball as Ted Campbell, Ashley Paske as Adam Campbell, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton; Angela Toohey as Trixie, Tony Benedict-Smith as Supervisor at Airport, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy

Home and Away

Episodes 473-474
Written by David Allen (473) and Judith Colquhoun (474)
Directed by Chris Adshead

Christine Mason returns to work after the birth of her daughter but when she brings Yvette to the hospital with a broken arm, Alex suspects that Christine is guilty of child abuse. Cookie sets out to woo Matron Arrowsmith — much to Esme's dismay. Jo, now on the mend, helps reunite a family. Cookie moves into Camelot after he and Bob have an argument. Terence and Alex have a difference of opinion over a suspected child abuse case and Alex is forced to back down when she realises that she was mistaken.

Guest Cast: June Salter as Hilda Arrowsmith, Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Rhondda Findleton as Christine Mason, Julia Best as Yvette Mason, Madeleine Blackwell as Katie Buchanan, Alice Best as Becky Buchanan, Pat Thomson as Gwen Drake, Georgina Banks as Joanne Allen

Love Story

Episodes 475-476
Written by Carol WIlliams (475) and David Boutland (476)
Directed by Richard Sarell

Peter tries to find the right time to pop the question to Alex but she's too busy battling a case of hay fever to notice. Major Duggan's health is failing him but he refuses to see Terence for treatment. Terence blows his stack when a patient's life is threatened due to Matron Arrowsmith's scheming. Spike the echidna decides to find a soulmate. Jo, Glen, and Darren save the Major from drowning when he falls into the swimming hole and Terence convinces him to have further tests. Peter finally proposes to Alex who accepts.

Guest Cast: June Salter as Hilda Arrowsmith, Queenie Ashton as Lillian Duggan, Ken Fraser as Major Duggan, Warwick Moss as Ray Shaw, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton, Wayne Pygram as Swamp, Peter Miller as Orderly, Jamie Walter as Announcer; Su Cruickshank as Mrs Papadopolous, Penelope Linden as Nurse

Best Laid Plans

Episodes 477-478
Written by David Phillips (477) and Margaret Mitchell (478)
Directed by Leigh Spence

The residents of Wandin Valley band together to prevent the closure of the hospital. Shirley decides to solve Frank's back problems by getting a new bed — a waterbed, and Jo is horrified. Doris the pig goes on the wagon. Matron Sloan arrives back in the Valley. Can she come up with a plan to save the hospital from Matron Arrowsmith's clutches? Donna gets Ben to propose to her because she's never been asked before. Maggie defeats Arrowsmith and Councillor Muldoon when she dares to expose some secrets. The town throw an engagement party for Peter and Alex.

Guest Cast: Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, June Salter as Hilda Arrowsmith, Sara Wallace as Maudie Stewart, Penny Linden as Nurse, Greg Radford as Mr. Matthews; [not available]

My Brother's Keeper

Episodes 479-480
Written by Dave Worthington (479) and Betty Quin (480)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jo's friend Fiona is fed-up of having to look after her little brother Jimmy and decides to play netball as planned, leaving Jimmy on his own. Shirley thinks she's not giving Jo enough of her time so offers to join Jo's netball team. Esme is determined to be the first to find out when Alex and Peter are to be married. Young Jimmy is found dead in the lake and Fiona runs to Jo and the Gilroys for comfort when her mother turns on her and blames her for his death. The pressure is on Peter and Alex to name the day

Guest Cast: [not available]; Linden Wilkinson as Meg McLenzie, Bevan Wilson as Tom McKenzie, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Alan Faulkner as Minister

…Book By It's Cover

Episodes 481-482
Written by Caroline Stanton (481) and Shane Brennan (482)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

When Peter allows his students to choose a book for their open-book review, their choice causes him nothing but trouble. Cookie organises a grand surprise, but Esme gets a surprise of another kind. A fourteen-year-old girl is brought into the hospital with an ectopic pregnancy. A diabetic boy bluffs his way into hospital to escape his overprotective mother. Sandy's dad is not happy to learn that his daughter is studying "Puberty Blues" at school and confronts Peter about it.

Guest Cast: John Clayton as Allan Crosby, Donald MacDonald as Brian Moss, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Judith Fisher as Dorothy Pierce, Tiffany Junee as Amanda Pierce, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton, Rosemary Blundo as French Chef; Tony Blackett as Gordon Penney, Karen Vickery as Jan Grant, Andrew Ferguson as David Grant, Jan Oxenbould as Parent No. 1, Guy Le Claire as Ralph Douglas, Amber Cameron as Mandy Curruthers

The Lie of the Land

Episodes 483-484
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (483) and Tony Morphett (484)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Cathy Hayden, Wandin Valley's new Parks and Wildlife officer, has trouble coping with the attitudes of the locals and her wilful grandfather. Peter is disillusioned and not sure whether he wants to continue teaching. Frank is at a loss to work out why someone would go out of their way to get arrested. Peter decides on a life on the land and starts working on the Hayden farm, but Alex begins to worry about the man she's going to marry. Cathy sets out to round up Ted Campbell's cattle, and gets some help from her new-found friends in the Valley.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Kate Raison as Cathy Hayden, Vincent Ball as Ted Campbell, Tony Blackett as Gordon Penney, Murray Fahey as Syd Roberts, Kay Eklund as Mrs. O'Neill, Erin Hefferon as Patience O'Neill

Note: Cathy Hayden (Kate Raison) arrives

Ghost of a Chance

Episodes 485-486
Written by Stephen Measday (485) and Forrest Redlich (486)
Directed by Mike Smith

Alex picks up a young pregnant hitch-hiker and blames herself when the girl dies after she is knocked down by a truck driver. Jo is doing a school project on old houses of the district and uncovers the story of the Valley's haunted house. Ben, Jo, Donna, and Bob go ghostbusting and end up solving a fifty-year-old mystery. Terence is concerned when Alex gets too involved in the case of a newborn baby who is going through heroin withdrawal.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Kate Raison as Cathy Hayden, Elizabeth Maywald as Tina Nunn, Kristen Mann as Ralph Simpson, Richard Eddie as Ambulanceman, Dace & Mara Kapsis as Lucy Mann; Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton, Lyn Collingwood as June Nunn

The Right Mix

Episodes 487-488
Written by David Allen (487) and Tim Pye (488)
Directed by Bob Meillon

A hard-nosed journalist comes to the Valley to interview Cathy for a story about a day in the life of a ranger, but Cathy is too busy organising the annual roo cull. Shirley is determined to prove that she is a good cook and enters the bake-off. Alex and Peter's relationship is in deep trouble and the arrival of Peter's old school master Walter Hopwood doesn't help matters. Esme is heartbroken when it looks as if she won't be able to enter the bake-off. Walter offers Peter a teaching position away from Wandin Valley.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Kate Raison as Cathy Hayden, Marcelle Schmitz as Adele Springwood, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Jon Darling as Les Peterson, Olga Yarad as Lorna, Les Elms as Farmer No. 1, Robert Underhill as Farmer No. 2; Peter Gywnn as Walter Hopwood, Jack Mayers as Billy Jackson, Alex Fitzwater as Child (in clinic)

Keep on Truckin

Episodes 489-490
Written by Margaret Mitchell (489) and David Boutland (490)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Alex waits for Peter to make up his mind about Walter Hopwood's job offer. The Simpson family finds it hard to cope when their father is jailed. Matron Sloan wins a raffle but is far from delighted by the prize. Peter tells Alex of his decision — he's going! It's now time for Alex to make up her mind, does she go with Peter or stay in the Valley? Kevin Simpson decides to take his family's welfare into his own hands. Alex tells Peter that she can't go with him and will be staying in Wandin Valley. Peter says goodbye to Donna and his friends throw him a going away party.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Kate Raison as Cathy Hayden, Caroline Gillmer as Sheila Simpson, Adam Garnett as Kevin Simpson, Justine Clarke as Nicky Simpson, Daniel D'Amico as Davey Simpson, Nicholas Forster as Colin Jacobs; Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton, Allan Chapple as Tiny, Allan Alward as Lennie, Matthew Nichollas as George McElroy

Note: Peter Manning (Mark Owen-Taylor) departs

Nobody's Perfect

Episodes 491-492
Written by Carol Williams (491) and Bill Searle (492)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

Donna's Aunt Sally comes to visit and Donna and Cathy see a chance to do a spot of match-making. Alex, feeling lost without Peter, throws a party for Penny' birthday. Bob and Cookie go in search of some frill-necked lizards. Jack Hayden and Sally find they have plenty in common. Jo becomes the star of a Japanese shampoo commercial.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Maggie Blinco as Sally Walker, Alan Light as Howard Martin, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Andrew Denton as Delivery Man; Jim Kemp as Dan Richards, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy, Meigh Biolos as Clint Reebok, Vanessa Lee Johnson as Claire Summerton, Vicky Clare as Anny Stanton, Michael Kozuki as Riccardo, Kodo Shimada as Rocky, Kazunori Funatsa as Kaz

Note: Kate Raison replaces Mark Owen-Taylor in the opening credits (but is still included in the end credits for part 2)

Things of Value

Episodes 493-494
Written by Dave Worthington (493) and Judith Colcuhoun (494)
Directed by Mike Smith

Frank plans a special present for his and Shirley's fifth wedding anniversary. Bob and Cookie are besieged by would-be stars as word of their success as theatrical agents spreads. A former dancer pushes her ballerina daughter too far. Jo tries to do something special for the Gilroys but ends up getting lectured instead. An old woman loses her will to live when her pet is killed. Cathy finds the culprit who has been talking pot shots at the local animals.

Guest Cast: Dorothy St Heaps as Dot Ryan, Deborah Kennedy as Maree Perkins, Rebekah Elmaloglou as Belinda Perkins, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Harold Jones as Poet, Caroline Kaspar as Soprano, Alison Chambers as Shop Assistant; Marc Gray as Dean Ross

Walking on Air

Episodes 495-496
Written by David Boutland (495) and Shane Brennan, Tim Pye (496)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Kenny Mitchell starts work at the hospital and befriends Samantha Irving, a young girl with a crippling disease. Alex is not amused when Frank turns the clinic into a temporary police station while filling in for Shirley. Bob and Cookie advertise for a housemate and are delighted with the response. Jo goes to Sydney to try out for a modelling job on Dolly magazine. Miranda Dupre moves in with Bob and Cookie.

Guest Cast: Arky Michael as Kenny Mitchell, Marilyn Mayo as Miranda Dupre, Lisa Hensley as Samantha Irving, Diane Craig as Diane Irving, Tom Oliver as Ross Irving, Andrew Tighe as Mark, Norm Phillips as Country Gentleman; Sharyn Hodgson as Leanne, Andrew Inglis as David Hynes, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Deborah Piper as Hairdresser, Norm Galton as Patient

Walking on Air (II)

Episodes 497-498
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (497) and David Allen (498)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Samantha has a fight with her parents and moves in with Kenny Mitchell. Terence goes on a health kick, but Alex is concerned he may be overdoing it. Ben and Donna go car hunting. Kenny starts making plans for his future with Samantha. Cookie, jealous over Bob and Miranda's growing friendship, goes walkabout.

Guest Cast: Arky Michael as Kenny Mitchell, Marilyn Mayo as Miranda Dupre, Nick Holland as Adrian Millhouse, Lisa Hensley as Samantha Irving, Tom Oliver as Ross Irving, Diane Craig as Diane Irving; Andrew Tighe as Mark, David Wilson as Simon, Tamara Popper as Marilyn

Carnival is Over

Episodes 499-500
Written by Dave Worthington (499) and ??? (500)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Cookie meets up with a couple of old circus performers and their sick lion. Miranda and Bob's romance is hotting up and there's more than one person involved in a little match-making. Two circus clowns decide to do one last show for the children at Wandin Valley's hospital. Ben treats a wild circus animal. Terence unwittingly sets the whole town on a health kick.

Guest Cast: Marilyn Mayo as Miranda Dupre, Johnny Lockwood as Mickey O'Rourke, Marco Colombani as Rudolf Polaski, Sally Cahill as Paula Wood, Jay Thomas as Sean Woods, Don Chapman as Barry; [not available]

Birds of Prey

Episodes 501-502
Written by David Phillips (501) and Carol Williams (502)
Directed by Vince Martin

The local farmers are up in arms over plans to release a wedgetail eagle in the National Park. Terence becomes the target of a full-fledged country girl and ropes Donna into teaching him how to ride a horse. It's Donna to the rescue when a farmer threatens the life of an innocent animal. Alex is put out by all the attention Terence is paying Jill Rice. Bob and Cookie go hunting for the long lost bounty of a payroll robbery.

Guest Cast: Amanda Muggleton as Jill Rice, Justine Saunders as Brenda Dwyer, Danny Adcock as Brian Padgett, Les Elms as Farmer, June Townsend as Mrs Bradley, Michael Artup as Tommy Bradley; Jon Conway as Ted Walters, Mic Conway as Ike Walters

Intensive Care

Episodes 503-504
Written by Michael Brindley (503) and Tim Pye (504)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Terence is in the firing line when he transfers a brain-dead girl to Wandin Valley Hospital in the hope that her father will agree to turn off the life-support machine. Jo arrives home — but she's not the girl she used to be. A father is unable to come to terms with the fact that his daughter is in an irreversible coma. Muldoon is up to his old tricks again with his plans for the Bicentennial project but the locals plan to sabotage his plan with one of their own.

Guest Cast: Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Carole Skinner as Jean Brown, Tim Eliott as George Brown, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Digny Thomas as Russ Peterson, Ian Whalan as Joe Heinds, Vyvyan Black as Paramedic, Janel Shardlow as Robyn Brown; Alan Docker as Journalist, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley

Mozart Rules

Episodes 505-506
Written by Jenny Sharp (505) and Caroline Stanton (506)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

Donna organises a surprise party for Ben to celebrate Mozart's birthday. Alex tackles Dan Richards over his all too frequent absences, but later ends up regretting her actions. A serious car accident has tragic consequences for the residents of Wandin Valley. Donna, Dan, and Penny Richards are all victims of the accident. Cathy ends up helping out a young intruder instead of turning her in. Ben is inconsolable over Donna's death.

Guest Cast: Jim Kemp as Dan Richards, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Tom Richards as Ron Kelly, Aleta Zylstra as Bekky Brown, Robin Bowering as Syd Foster, Robert Underhill as Reg Barnes, Tony Lyttle as Barman; Mark Owen-Taylor as Peter Manning, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Peggy Thompson as Peg Kelly, Don Pascoe as Father McBride, David Wenham as Ambulanceman 1, Andrew Di Lollo as Ambulanceman 2

Notes: Caroline Johannson's final episode, look for David Wenham in one of his earliest tv roles

Picking up the Pieces

Episodes 507-508
Written by Margaret Mitchell (507) and Chris Roache & Bill Searle (508)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Frank senses that there is more to the accident than meets the eye and won't rest until he finds out who caused it. Ben finds it difficult to cope with his feelings of loss. Peter returns to the Valley for Donna's funeral. Penny refuses to accept the fact that her father is dead and Alex is at a loss as to how to help her. The town pulls together for a fundraising dance-a-thon. Ben decides the only way he can come to terms with his grief is to leave the Valley for a while.

Guest Cast: Mark Owen-Taylor as Peter Manning, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Tom Richards as Ron Kelly, Peggy Thompson as Peg Kelly, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy, Marjorie Child as Mrs Drake, Tony Little as Barman; Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Antoinette Blaxland as Aeriel Phillips, Terry Brady as Ambrose Phillips

Down to Earth

Episodes 509-510
Written by Tony Morphett (509) and Forrest Redlich (510)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Terence puts his vineyard up for sale but ends up regretting his decision. Jo buys a new sports car. A locum vet arrives in town and fails to hit it off with Cathy Hayden. Dan Richard's will has deep implications for Alex when she is named as custodian of his daughter Penny. Jo and Frank are at loggerheads because the Sarge is refusing to let Jo anywhere near her new car. Penny's grandmother Lillian arrives to take Penny back home to Sydney with her.

Guest Cast: Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Serge Lazareff as David King, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Bruce Hughes as Tam MacKay, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy, Ben Brennan as Tony King, Leo Sorbello as Delivery Man; Elaine Lee as Lillian Saunders, Jack Mayers as Billy Jackson, Robert Underhill as Farmer, Tom Farley as Ted McGinty

Not Enough Cooks

Episodes 511-512
Written by David Allen (511) and Margaret Mitchell (512)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Jo couldn't have chosen a worse day to start work at the hospital. The nurses are understaffed and run off their feet, the cook has quit and everyone is alarmed about the strange noises echoing through the plumbing. A selfish aging model checks into the hospital and learns a few lessons about life from Jo. Muldoon causes even more problems for the hospital when he tries his hand at industrial relations. Terence falls victim to a bout of food poisoning right in the middle of an operation. Tom MacKay, the locum vet, continues to pursue Cathy Hayden.

Guest Cast: Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Bruce Hughes as Tam MacKay, Jill Forster as Elizabeth Ferguson, Sharon Carpenter as Angie Johnson, Geoff Kelso as Joseph, Kevin Scully as Jeff Wellington, Deidre Brock as Louise Wellington, Monica Zarth as Annette Pollini, Margaret Cruickshank as Mrs Carmichael, Emily Searle as Fern Wellington, Josephine Searle as Shanti Wellington

Someone to Listen

Episodes 513-514
Written by Dave Worthington (513) and Judith Colquhoun (514)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

A mother suspects that the problem she's having with her teenage son could be caused by more than just the generation gap. Shirley returns from her holiday in Queensland and Frank is a little concerned when she keeps talking about her new friend Harry and his yacht. Jack tries his hand at a little match-making between Cathy and Tom MacKay. Terence tries to help a mentally ill boy, but his efforts are in vain.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Bruce Hughes as Tam MacKay, Miles Buchanan as Chris Gordon, Sonja Tallis as Heather Gordon, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Justine Clarke as Nicky Simpson; John Bonney as Dr. Don Adams

A Different Breed

Episodes 515-516
Written by David Phillips (515) and Carol Williams (516)
Directed by Mike Smith

The local farmers are angry about the abundance of wild pigs in the National Park. They are blaming Cathy for the damage to their crops and are accusing her of not knowing how to do her job properly. Ben returns to the Valley, but decides to sell up and move away — the reminders of Donna are just too strong. Jack Hayden takes a turn for the worse in hospital and Cathy finally learns the truth about his illness. The club is black-balled and Cookie is far from happy. Terence buys Camelot from Ben, whose friends persuade him to stay on in Wandin Valley.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Bruce Hughes as Tam MacKay, Bill Young as Barry Wilson, Allan Penney as Percy Hudson, Gil Tucker as Ernie Sweet, Guy Le Claire as Ralph Douglas, Colin Borgonon as Husband, Louise Byers as Wife, Andy Devine as Man in Club, Les Elms as Farmer

Note: Although he appeared previously in different roles in 1984 and 1986, here Allan Penney makes his first appearance as Percy Hudson. He would not join the main cast in that role until 1991

Going for Broke

Episodes 517-518
Written by Michael Brindley (517) and Shane Brennan (518)
Directed by Vince Martin

New nurse Michael Langley has an unusual introduction to Wandin Valley when Jo knocks him off his motorbike whilst she is learning to drive. Penny arrives on Alex's doorstep after running away from her grandparents in Sydney. Jack, realising that he has little time left, decides to take care of some unfinished business. Michael Langley finds himself accused of taking an unhealthy interest in a little girl.

Guest Cast: Brett Climo as Michael Langley, Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Georgie Sterling as Polly Waterford, Mary Ann Severne as Cynthia Wallace, Lisa Bernstein as Amy Wallace; Elaine Lee as Lilliam Saunders, Kim Knuckey as Ken Wallace

Note: Brett Climo debuts as Michael Lanley

What's Love Got to Do With It

Episodes 519-520
Written by David Boutland (519) and ??? (520)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jack's son Cliff arrives in the Valley to see his dying father. Penny's grandmother convinces Alex to look after her god-daughter for the foreseeable future. Frank has trouble with a couple of robbers and Michael unwittingly lets one of them go. Cliff Hayden leaves Wandin Valley without resolving his differences with his father. Alex finds it tough being both doctor and parent at the same time.

Guest Cast: Deryck Barnes as Jack Hayden, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Sean Scully as Cliff Hayden, Sofia Laguna as Yvonne Bluett, Greg Stone as Sean, Prue Bassett as P.C. Rogers; [not available]

Labour of Love

Episodes 521-522
Written by Judith Colquhoun (521) and Dave Worthington (522)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

A hot-shot, city-trained nursing sister arrives in Wandin Valley. The Bachelor and Spinster Ball is coming up and Jo is trying her hardest to get Michael to invite her to it. Esme is admitted to hospital and is convinced she's going to die, and Sister Tracey Harrison does little to help matters. Cathy tries to cope with the loss of Jack. The hospital staff reassure Esme that she is not dying.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Felicity Soper as Tracey Harrison, Mary Acres as Mrs. Page, Angela Moore as Maree Benson, Greg Saunders as Don Benson, Nathan Fellner as Baby Benson; Harold Kissin as Harry Reynolds, Cindy Pritchard as Janet Smythe, Scott Croll as Ringer

Playing Possum

Episodes 523-524
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (523) and David Allen (524)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Cathy cannot believe her luck when she hires, who she thinks is, the perfect farmhand, but she is in for a few surprises with her new accident-prone employee. Shirley takes a call from a lady in distress but cannot identify who she is. Danno, Cathy's new farmhand, goes missing. Shirley's mysterious caller pays her a visit.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Paul Blackwell as Danno Callen, Helen Mutkins as Diane Tyrell, Mim Butler as Veronica Prentice, Chris Connelly as Tim Black, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy, Vanessa Lee Johnson as CLaire Summerton, Dan Holliday as Lex; Vic Rooney as Father Forest, Suzanne Hawley as Mrs. Prentice, Bronwyn Gahan as Patient

The Last Straw

Episodes 525-526
Written by Tom Mitchell (525) and Bill Searle (526)
Directed by Leigh Spence

A farmer and his wife struggle to come to terms with losing their farm and home. Jo's birthday party gives her the perfect opportunity to make a play for Michael, but does he feel the same way about her? A man desperate to save his farm resorts to using a shotgun. Bob and Cookie fix Jo up with a "hot" date.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Richard Meikle as Fred Murray, Cecily Polson as Rita Murray, David Whitford as Reg Taylor; Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Justine Clarke as Micky Simpson, Alex Broun as Adrian Newton

All in the Game

Episodes 527-528
Written by Jenny Sharp (527) and Tim Pye (528)
Directed by Mike Smith

Football Fever grips Wandin Valley when the Wombats take on Widjeera. Alex finds it hard to understand why Jill lets her fiancé, football star Geoff Ryan, continually take her for granted. Michael tries out for the team much to Matron Sloan's disgust. Shirley is fed up being married to The Law. The Wandin Valley hospital is over-run with football related injuries and Matron Sloan is not happy at the sight of Michael bruised and battered. Geoff Ryan is seriously injured during the match. Shirley continues to feel the pressures of Frank's job. Geoff and Jill tie the knot, but Alex is not convinced that either of them really wanted to.

Guest Cast: Geoff Paine as Jeff Ryan, Melissa Docker as Jill Malone, Ron Blanchard as Chikka Taylor, Paul Robertson as Glen Horton, Kati Edwards as Sheila Mitchell, Roger Cox as Gordon Mitchell; Vic Rooney as Father Forest, Rob Thomas as Phil Hodges, Scott Ferguson as Footballer, Scott Croll as Ringer, May Turner as Mrs. Craig, Gill Falson as Mrs. Malone

Licensed to Kill

Episodes 529-530
Written by David Phillips (529) and Forrest Redlich (530)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Terence is named Wandin Valley's Citizen of the Year and is invited to the presentation dinner. But who will he take with him? Michael's offer to help Jo with her driving test has unexpected consequences when they fall asleep in Michael's room and Jo fails to return home until morning. Tempers flare when Cathy decides to cancel the duck shoot. Jo and Michael are the focus of some unwelcome gossip. Terence and Alex share a kiss on the way home from the presentation dinner.

Guest Cast: Alf Muldoon as Brian Moll, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Marie Lloyd as Nan Norton, Dian Adams as Hazel Norton, Nathan Fellner as Hugh Norton (Baby); Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Atun McFadzen as Eric Sutherland Jnr., Graham Corry as Ron Bates, Rob Baxter as Eric Sutherland Snr., Mark Eady as Gazza McLaine

Licensed to Kill (II)

Episodes 531-532
Written by David Boutland (531) and Judith Colquhoun (532)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Wandin Valley is invaded by gun-toting hunters as the annual duck-season gets under way. Cathy is determined to find out who shot her horse. Jo refuses to talk to Michael despite his profuse apologies. Cathy decides to resign. Matron Sloan is intrigued to know why her two doctors are being so formal with each other. A shooting accident tears a family apart. Penny tries a little match-making between her two favourite doctors, although Terence and Alex don't seem to need much encouragement. Cathy tears up her resignation.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Ron Graham as Tom Spencer, James Higgins as Davo Spencer, Terrie Waddell as Marlene Spencer, Brooke "Mikey" Anderson as Phoebe Spencer, Vic Hawkins as Ned Hammond, Rob Thomas as Phil Hodges, Mark Eady as Gazza McLaine, Greg Ellis as Gazza's Mate; Robert Underhill as Shooter .3, Scott Croll as Ringer, Leo Saurez as Jim, Dan Holliday as Lex, Phillip De Carle as Shooter .2, Keith Holloway as Sid, Hugh Wade as Shooter .1

Note: Brooke "Mikey" Anderson's first tv role?