A Country Practice: episode guide

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

A Clean Slate

Episodes 533-534
Written by Dave Worthington (533) and Tony Morphett (534)
Directed by Leigh Spence

An itinerant farm labourer's reluctance to settle down is putting a strain on his marriage and prompting his wife to hit the bottle. The locals have conflicting views on how best to put Lover's Gully to good use. Michael helps Pam Allen forget her problems but lands himself in trouble with her husband and receives a black-eye to boot. Councillor Alf Muldoon is up to no good again when he announces his plans for Lover's Gully forcing the locals to put Operation Platypus into action. Is there romance in the air for Terence and Alex?

Guest Cast: Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Gary Sweet as Bernie Allen, Saskia Post as Pam Allen, Colin Taylor as Syd McLeod, Matthew Nicholls as George McElroy, Holly Rodgers as Carla Allen;

Mixed Blessings

Episodes 535-536
Written by Shane Brennan and Tim Pye (535) and David Allen and Stephen Measday (536)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

When Leanne Madden learns that she is pregnant, her husband, Dave, isn't exactly overjoyed. They already have one child with Down's Syndrome and Dave is fearful that they could end up with another. Terence asks Alex to accompany him to a medical seminar in Canberra. Young Christopher Madden feels rejected when he overhears his parents talking about the new baby. Alex is hesitant about giving Terence an answer, as she is scared to make a commitment. After discussing it with Cathy, Alex decides to go to Canberra with Terence.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Tim McKenzie as David Madden, Merridy Eastman as Lee Madden, Christopher Turner as Christopher Madden, May Turner as Mrs Craig; Greg Ellis as Bill, Harry Lawrence as Fred Pearson

Learning the Lessons

Episodes 537-538
Written by Tom MItchell (537) and Margaret Mitchell (538)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jo has a hard time dealing with an over-zealous rookie cop. And when he decides to interfere in her love life, Jo blows her top. Terence and Alex return from Canberra very much in love. A mother is shattered when her son's simple case of measles develops into a potentially brain-damaging virus. The discovery of bags of white powder leads Wandin Valley's relief policeman to believe that big-time drug dealers are moving in. Andrew the chef has personal problems which means trouble for both staff and patients at the hospital. The town is awash with gossip of Terence and Alex's romance.

Guest Cast: Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, David Wenham as Scott Galbraithe, Julie Haseler as Elaine McPhee, Richard Terrill as Toby McPhee, Courtney Kieler as Mandy O'Brien, Kate Turner as Mrs O'Brien; Geoff Kelso as Andrew Macintosh, Geoff Cartwright as Clem Barker, Dick May as Sgt. Owen, Sue Leonard as Sharon Smith, Jacqui Holland as Nurse

Notes: after making his ACP debut in a brief appearance in episode 506, David Wenham returns in a featured guest role

Revelations

Episodes 539-540
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (539) and Carol Williams (540)
Directed by Bill Hughes

When Terence's daughter comes to Wandin Valley to spend time with her dad, her arrival places a strain on Terence and Alex's relationship. Ben is captivated by Millie Alcott, an innocent girl who has grown up out of touch with the modern world. Alex finds herself overshadowed by Terence's daughter and her adventure-packed life. Alex feels that she cannot compete with Sophie and tells Cathy she's not exciting enough for Terence. Michael helps an old Jazz musician get back on his feet.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Katrina Sedgwick as Sophie Elliott, Miranda Otto as Millie Allcott, Barry Donnelly as Pastor Leon Woodruff, Lawrence Brand as Tommy Wilkes; Laura Best as Millie's Baby

Revelations (II)

Episodes 541-542
Written by Tony Morphett (541) and David Boutland (542)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Alex is torn between her professional ethics and her feelings for Terence and cannot decide whether or not to tell him that his daughter has a drug problem. A "sweet" old lady injures herself in the National Park and decides to sue for millions of dollars in damages. Terence decides to help his daughter fight her problem — whether she wants his assistance of not. Michael and Ben are at loggerheads over Ben's involvement with Millie.

Guest Cast: Miranda Otto as Millie Allcott, Katrina Sedgwick as Sophie Elliott, Vic Hawkins as Ned Hammond, Jill Clayton as Olive Rush, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Ann Fay as Mrs. Dawson, Tony Jones as Mr. Dawson, Laura Best as Baby Emily Allcott

Tomorrow's News

Episodes 543-544
Written by Dave Worthington (543) and Shane Brennan (544)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

A father displeased when his son befriends a handicapped person in hospital. A hard-nosed television journalist arrives in Wandin Valley to do a piece on Frank Gilroy, but has some trouble finding an exciting angle for the story. Terence asks Alex to marry him. A full-scale search is organised when two patients go missing from the hospital. Alex accepts Terence's proposal.

Guest Cast: Patrick Dickson as Laurie Price, Jonathan Cooke as Donny Price, Kristopher Greaves as Stanley Gleason, Noel Hodda as Murray West, Mark McAskill as Ed, Martin Reefman as Al, Jill McKay as Mrs. Jackson, Phillip De Carle as Merv; Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Keith Holloway as Bert Rathdown, Kevin Scully as Phil

Love Hurts

Episodes 545-546
Written by Grant Fraser & Tom Mitchell (545) and Jennifer Sharp (546)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jo's friend Darren Greenway is having more problems than usual with his father. Ron owns a junkyard and is trying to force his son to leave school in order to help with the business. Alex and Terence announce their engagement and the pressure is on them to set a date, time, and venue for the big day. A family is torn apart when an undiagnosed medical condition causes a normally loving father to becomes violent. Jo organises self-defence classes at the club and is crushed when Michael falls for the teacher. With a bit of input from their friends, Terence and Alex reluctantly agree on a big wedding.

Guest Cast: Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Ivar Kants as Ron Greenway, Sally McKenzie as Phyllis Greenway, Andrea Moor as Sarah Wilde, Sharron Clark as Lizzie Greenway;

Give Me a Break

Episodes 547-548
Written by David Allen (547) and David Phillips (548)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Jo and Cathy think they've discovered a Yowie in the National Park but what they really find is an escaped murdered who's been hiding out for more than twenty years! The club gets a pool table and the competition is on to see who will represent Wandin Valley against Burrigan Slim. Ben has an accident with an uncontrollable horse. Alex is lumbered with a pre-wedding talk from the Reverend, while Bob organises a buck's night for Terence. After injuring his back, Ben succeeds in annoying both the hospital staff and his friends with his irritable behaviour. Jo wins the pool competition.

Guest Cast: Graham Rouse as Ralph Fowler, Barry Hill as Wally Emerson, Taya Straton as Amanda Fowler, Allan Penney as Perce Hudson, Alan Faulkner as Rev. Michaels; Robin Dene as Burrigan Slim, Frank Serafin as Dasher

In Sickness & In Health

Episodes 549-550
Written by Carol Williams (549) and Judith Colquhoun (550)
Directed by Leigh Spence

There are pre-wedding jitters all around as the big day draws near. Alex's parents arrive in town and her father immediately takes over, causing Alex and Terence to have a blazing row. Ben's locum arrives and Cathy is far from pleased to meet up with Matt Tyler again. Jo asks Michael to the drive-in. The wedding arrives but Frank's precise schedule falls apart when Matt Tyler enlists his help to unbog his car, leaving Alex waiting at the church. Terence ends up arriving at the church on a bicycle, but there is still no sign of Frank. Terence and Alex are married and Frank arrives covered in mud!

Guest Cast: John Tarrant as Matt Tyler, Emily Leiding as Penny Richards, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Rhys McConnochie as Charles Fraser, Judy Ferris as Hazel Fraser, James Wheeler as Brad Mullins, Rob Baxter as Andus McGrath; Alan Faulkner as Rev. Michaels, Olga Dickie as Granny Jean Fraser, Peter Browne as Dan O'Reilly, Harold Jones as Reg "Banjo" Black

Note: John Tarrant's first appearance as vet Matt Tyler

Matters of the Heart

Episodes 551-552
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (551) and Hugh Stuckey (552)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

Jo's father unexpectedly arrives in the Valley along with a little sister Jo never knew she had. Ben's former girlfriend, Barbara, arrives at the hospital to take care of him. Terence and Alex have a medical emergency to attend to on their honeymoon when Penny's grandfather suffers a heart attack. Matt finds himself in the dog house when one of his patients passes away. Penny decides to stay with her grandparents in Sydney rather than returns to the Valley with Alex and Terence.

Guest Cast: John Tarrant as Matt Tyler, Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Stewart Faichney as Barry Loveday, Anna Lee as Lauren Montgomery, Erin Rowe as Michelle Loveday; Elaine Lee as Lillian Saunders, James Condon as James Saunders, Georgie Parker as Barbara Gottleib, Joseph Clements as Policeman

Note: Georgie Parker makes an early guest appearance in part 2 as Ben's ex. She returns in the starring role of Lucy Gardiner in episode 639 (1989)

Matters of the Heart (II)

Episodes 553-554
Written by David Boutland (553) and Tony Morphett (554)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jo resolves to look after her little sister, but Frank and Shirley realise this can't go on forever. Terence and Alex return from their honeymoon. Ben's future as a country vet is in doubt as a result of his accident. Jo is hurt by what she sees as Frank and Shirley's betrayal and failure to stand by her when they call in social services and then Michelle's mother turns up. Terence and Alex are having trouble finding the right bed to suit the both of them. Ben and Barbara decide to leave the Valley and the locals throw them a party to send them on their way. Jo moves out of the Gilroys.

Guest Cast: John Tarrant as Matt Tyler, Georgie Parker as Barbara Gottleib, Roslyn Gentle as Amy Carter, Stephanie Tobin as Rosemary Smith, Erin Rowe as Michelle Loveday; Leone Martin-Smith as Ingrid Hoffman, Allan Chapple as Tiny

Note: Nicholas Bufalo departs

Common Cause

Episodes 555-556
Written by Sally Webb (555) and Jenny Sharp & Caroline Stanton (556)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jo settles into her new flat and inherits her school friend Sandy as a flatmate. After treating a twelve-year-old girl who thinks she is pregnant, Alex decides the time has come to set up a community health centre in the Valley. A young couple find their relationship put to the test when one of them reveals they have a sexually transmitted disease. Jo enlists Michael's help in catching a prowler.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Jenny Lee as Joy Mumford, Alysia Hart as Alice Mumford, Troy Lonsdale as Greg Mumford, Mark Eady as Gazza Maclaine, Lloyd Morris as Phillip Lambert, Clarissa House as Denise McNamara, Adam Cook as Clive Simms; Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Greg Bepper as Eugene Smithers, Belinda Shepperd as Kate Thompson

Note: John Tarrant replaces Nicholas Bufalo in the opening credits

Fallen Idols

Episodes 557-558
Written by David Allen (557) and Judith Colquhoun (558)
Directed by Leigh Spence

A man's imprisonment has meant a sentence not only for himself but for his family too. Jo and Sandy plan a romantic dinner party but the evening does not go the way they'd hoped or planned. Tommy Hibbert returns to Wandin Valley from prison to a frosty reception from his "friends" and family. The doctors have some bad news for old Polly Waterford.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Georgie Sterling as Polly Waterford, Gail Watson as Jean Hibbert, Adam Zammit as Colin Hibbert, Jason Lownds as Troy Hibbert, David Jeffs as Tony, Craig Black as Johnno, Peter Muller as Andrew; Nicholas Forster as Tommy Hibbert, Brian Barrie as Max Jones

False Pretences

Episodes 559-560
Written by Shane Brennan (559) and Carol Williams (560)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Alex organises the opening of the Community Health Centre to a less-than-spectacular reception. Cathy and Matt go droving and and up spending the night under the stars together. Jo finds out that Sandy's boyfriend is married, but Sandy doesn't believe her. A grieving mother abandons her child and Alex is left holding the baby. Frank eventually finds the mother at the cemetery and Alex helps her come to terms with her grief over her dead baby daughter. Sandy finally learns the truth about her married boyfriend.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Les Dayman as Phonse, Rosey Jones as Gail Rogers, Brian Hatfield as Anton, Michael-John Hurney as Jeff Dalton, Alan Docker as Jack Lane, Harry Lawrence as Fred Pearson; Philip Hyde as Morrie Rogers, James Polito as Damien Rogers

Dark Horses

Episodes 561-562
Written by Graeme Koetsveld (561) and David Phillips (562)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

After receiving a bang on the head, Bob mysteriously develops clairvoyant powers. A young woman returns from a holiday cruise to find that she is pregnant. Cookie tries to take advantage of Bob's powers. Cathy is bitten by a deadly snake and ends up in hospital, leaving Matt and Michael to cope with the farm. Alex treats a patient with a rare tropical disease and ends up reuniting a young couple in the process.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Roger Ward as Pat O'Connor, Pat Thomson as Eileen O'Connor, Michelle Pettigrove as Mary O'Connor, Jamie Oxenbould as Johnny Patterson, Shirley Cameron as Dulcie Cameron; Vichea Ten as Paul Tran, Chin Yu as Ruth Tran

Note: Michelle Pettigrove makes her ACP debut. She will become a regular in 1991 playing nurse Kate Bryant.

Going the Distance

Episodes 563-564
Written by Tom Galraith (563) and David Boutland (564)
Directed by Robert Meillon

A boy's illness could be a lot more serious than it appears. Michael's attempt to help a man who has given up the will to live fails. Matt is offered first refusal on Ben's practice. A father decides to take desperate measures to pay for medical treatment for his son, while Matt has a money-making scheme of his own. Matt beats Ted Campbell's age-old long distance record to raise money for Jake Cooper's medical treatment, causing Cathy to see Matt in a whole new light. Jo and Sandy give the tuck-shop some competition.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Jonathan Sweet as Travis Cooper, Margie McCrae as Lynn Cooper, Michael McClafferty as Jake Cooper, Vincent Ball as Ted Campbell, Lyn Collingwood as Madge Porter; Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Ric Hutton as Bill Hannan, Nicki Miller as Julie Donovan

Seeing the Light

Episodes 565-566
Written by Hugh Stuckey (565) and Steve J. Spears (566)
Directed by Leigh Spence

UFOs in Wandin Valley? It certainly seems that way after Bob and Cookie discover a landing site, and when a strange man is admitted to hospital, Esme thinks he is an alien! Cathy's admiration for Matt quickly fades when he spends the night with another woman. When Alex opens Terence's old trunk, she's amazed by what she finds. After discovering the identity of the stranger, Frank is determined to get to the bottom of the great UFO mystery. A man makes a fool of himself over a young woman.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Phillip Ross as Reg Farrell, Lynn Murphy as Edith Farrell, Richard Lawton as Raymond Connelly, Nicki Miller as Julie Donovan, Tracy Martin as Lois Olsen; [not available]

No Place Like Home

Episodes 567-568
Written by Judith Colquhoun (567) and David Allen (568)
Directed by Richard Sarell

Michael and Cathy spend a romantic afternoon on the river. Alex's dream to help the tenants of a dilapidated boarding house backfire when the landlady decides to evict them. Terence becomes environmentally-friendly when he reads about the destruction of the ozone layer in the local paper. Jo is fed-up with Sandy's burger empire and quits her job. An old man refuses to leave his home and barricades himself in. Sandy leaves Jo's flat and moves to Burrigan. Alex and Cathy convince the landlady to get the repairs done on the old house.

Guest Cast: Sarah Lambert as Sandy Crosby, Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Basil Clarke as Jimmy Maloney, Anna Phillips as Robyn Spencer, Elysia Pratt as Tracey Spencer, Peter Hernfield as Reg Abbott; Nicki Miller as Julie Donovan, Louise Cogan as FIona McKenzie, Denise Kirby as Helen Price

Everybody's Doing It

Episodes 569-570
Written by David Phillips (569) and Bill Searle (570)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Jo's search for a new flatmate ends when Sally Lewis moves in, but Jo doesn't know Sally as well as she thought. Terence and Alex have a difference of opinion — his idea of a relaxing pastime is planting parsnips while hers is sinking into a spa. Michael and Matt try to force Cathy to see a doctor. Jo finds it hard to deal with the fact that her flatmate is a drug dealer.

Guest Cast: Antonia Murphy as Sally Lewis, Kate Ford as Karen Henderson, Ian Tongue as Nicholas Henderson, Lisa Erenchley as Nicole, Laurie Butler as Herb Munro, Todd Hodgson as Richard Maguire; Ben Franklin as Sgt. Roy McLean, Anton Constantine as Brett May

Sparring Partners

Episodes 571-572
Written by Tim Pye & Bill Searle (571) and Tim Pye (572)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Jo is battling the HSC blues. She's having trouble juggling school and work and is arguing with everyone. Jeff and Jill Ryan appear to be the perfect couple but looks can be deceiving. A girl's attraction to a married man leads to a dangerous turn of events. Jo ends up in hospital as a patient when she collapses out of sheer exhaustion.

Guest Cast: [not available]; Geoff Paine as Jeff Ryan, Melissa Docker as Jill Ryan, Sheryl Munks as Annie Smart, William Usic as Barney Mullins, Kylie Towner as Renecca Ryan

Note: Brett Climo and guest star Sheryl Munks would go on to play couple Rob and Emily McGregor in Snowy River The McGregor Saga (1993-96).

Hard Act to Follow

Episodes 573-574
Written by Tony Morphett (573) and David Boutland (573)
Directed by Leigh Spence

An aging drifter and his granddaughter arrive in town. When Esme is charmed by the stranger, Cookie is less than pleased. Alex becomes the object of a lovesick camel's affections. It's HSC exam time and Jo is very nervous. Charlie proposes to a smitten Esme. A boy's hopes for a brilliant career nose-dive when he's caught cheating. Esme and Charlie have second thoughts about marriage and Charlie decides to leave the Valley.

Guest Cast: Smokey Dawson as Charlie McKeahnie, FIona Gauntlett as Gail McKeahnie, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Kris Bidenko as Robyn Hacking, Thomas Zantai as Merv Sadat; Mark Shaw as Andrew Morgan, Chris Galletti as Edward Morgan

Thanks for the Memory

Episodes 575-576
Written by Brett Mitchell (575) and Stephen Measday (576)
Directed by Richard Sarell

A woman's memory lapse and her forgetfulness proves almost fatal when she sets her house on fire. Shirley develops a severe case of triskadekaphobia — a fear of the number thirteen. Matron Sloan is acting like a bear with a sore head, all because of a toothache and her fear of dentists, although she soon comes to her senses when Terence threatens her with a pair of pliers. A woman decides to sacrifice the man she loves because of her mother's incurable illness.

Guest Cast: Darren Paul as Darren Greenway, Leone Martin-Smith as Ada Jenkins, Edwina Cox as Heather Jenkins; Steve Shaw as Dennis Brown, Thomas Zentai as Merv Sadat

Stand and Deliver

Episodes 577-578
Written by Stephen Measday (577) and Judith Colquhoun (578)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

A boy who believes he is descended from Captain Midnight takes to his ancestor's bush-ranging ways. A woman is reluctant to let Alex operate on her son. The town is in an uproar over the Bicentennial Art Exhibition-ist! Eddy Midnight and company smash a dog fighting ring.

Guest Cast: Jake Blundell as Eddy Midnight, Emma Lyle as Miriam Henderson, Bob Baines as John Small, Ken Radley as Len Heidelburg, Kerry Adams as Joy Hudson, Christopher Weekes as Richard, Marjorie Child as Ivy Clements, Malinda Rutter as Anne (TV Announcer), Matthew Ham as Neil; Bob Hensley as Kevin Howe, Heather Pearson as Jan Roberts, Mark Eady as Gazza MacLaine, David Robbins as Bill Roberts, John Davies as Mr Layton

Young Girls

Episodes 579-580
Written by Tony Morphett (579) and David Boutland (580)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

A Reform School girl arrives for work experience at the park and takes a fancy to Matt. Michael decides to set matters straight between himself and Jo, once and for all. A girl with epilepsy has trouble coming to terms with her condition. Michael tries to explain how he feels to Jo, but she doesn't seem to want to listen.

Guest Cast: Sarah Mattocks as Angela Bell, Maureen O'Shaugnessy as Samantha, Glenn Perry as Sir Simon; Mark Eady as Gazza MacLaine, Laurie Butler as Herb Munro, Mark McCann as John Wright

Paddling Your Own Canoe

Episodes 581-582
Written by David Allen (581) and Judith Colquhoun (582)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Jo's HSC results arrive. Terence tries to convince the mother of a terminally ill boy to give her son a chance to enjoy life. Jo's results are not what she expected, but she consoles herself by accepting a date with Rod Campbell. Michael has to come to terms with a ghost out of his past in order to help a sick boy. After Alex accidentally drinks one of Terence's prized wines, she and Cathy decide to join a wine appreciation class to get more clued up on good plonk! Jo finds herself falling for someone other than Michael.

Guest Cast: Vincent Ball as Ted Campbell, Matthew Potger as Rob Campbell, Peter Browne as Colin Winter, Louise Howitt as Nancy WInter, Sonny Forster as Andy Winter; Jennifer Claire as Katina Campbell, Benjamin Fahy as Rocky Roberts, Vera Entwhistle as Herself, Brian Entwhistle as Archery Instructor, Vic Alberts as Balloonist

Off the Leash

Episodes 583-584
Written by Colin Free (583) and David Phillips (584)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Is there a werewolf stalking the Valley cemetery? Cookie thinks it's curtain time when he is bitten by a mysterious monster. Michael has a secret admirer. Jo finds herself drawn close to Rod Campbell, despite his father's disapproval. Rob blames himself for his father's heart attack, but Ted decides to use the situation to his own advantage. Michael makes a fool of himself when he tries to uncover the identity of his secret admirer. Rob asks Jo to leave the Valley and go on tour with him and his band.

Guest Cast: Vincent Ball as Ted Campbell, Matthew Potger as Rob Campbell, Jennifer Claire as Katina Campbell, Hec McMillan as Ewart Jones, John Davies as Mr Layton; Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie

Hooked

Episodes 585-586
Written by ??? (585) and Graeme Koetsveld (586)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Terence's old flame, Marianna Kubik, starts work at the hospital and Alex is not at all happy. Jo tells Frank and Shirley of her plans to go away with Rob. Alex keeps drawing comparisons between herself and Marianna and can't help feeling inadequate. Jo is put out by Sheena Johnston's arrival, Sheena is an old friend of Rob's and Jo's jealousy is quite evident. Jo reluctantly tells Rob she can't go on tour with him. Michael has an accident on his motorbike.

Guest Cast: Vincent Ball as Ted Campbell, Matthew Potger as Rob Campbell, Gosia Dobrowolska as Marianna Kubik, Kim Deacon as Sheena Johnston, Andrew Hill as Wesley Craven, Georgie Sterling as Polly Waterford

Accident

Episodes 587-588
Written by Steve J. Spears (587) and Tom Galbraith (588)
Directed by Richard Sarell

The battle begins to save Michael's life. It seems as if his chances are slim and the doctors have no option but to operate. Meanwhile, Jo is babysitting an insomniac child and is unaware of Michael's accident. Sophie Elliot is back in the Valley, and her arrival is bound to cause more trouble for her father and Alex. Jo finds the thought of nursing Michael difficult and decides to take an impersonal approach. Alex has trouble believing Sophie's claim that she is off heroin for good. Matt and Cathy uncover a bird poaching racket.

Guest Cast: Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Katrina Sedgwick as Sophie Elliott, Judith Stratford as Marcie Hegarty, Shanon Campbell as Tristan Hegarty; Robert Willox as Dave Cunningham, Andrew Hill as Wesley Craven, Scott Croll as Ringer, Leo Suarez as Jim, Felix Nobis as Young Man

Fight or Fly

Episodes 589-590
Written by Bill Searle (589) and Hugh Stuckey (590)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

Michael's sister arrives in town and tries to hide the real reason for her visit. Cathy resigns when she is accused of being part of the bird poaching racket. Alex tries to speak to Terence about Sophie, but he refuses to listen to what she has to say. Matt comes up with a plan to clear Cathy's name. Alex helps Michael's sister and her husband get back together. Cathy is reinstated, but she is not sure whether being a ranger is really what she wants to do. Terence receives some bad news about his daughter from Sydney.

Guest Cast: Maureen O'Shaughnessy as Janine Butler, Robert Willox as Dave Cunningham, William Upjohn as Graeme Marsden, Alan Tobin as Alistair Moore, Morna Seres as Glanda Stevens, Haylee Gray as Megan Stevens, Mark Eady as Gazza McLaine, Scott Croll as Ronger, Leo Suarez as Jim; Jeremy Shadlow as Tony Butler

Sophie

Episodes 591-592
Written by David Boutland (591) and Tony Morphett (592)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Terence combs the seedy streets of Sydney searching for his daughter Sophie. Cathy is disillusioned with rangering and tries for a job as a barmaid. Bob is admitted to hospital convinced that he is going to die. Terence finds Sophie, but she doesn't want to see him and tells him to leave. Alex tells a relieved Bob the results of his tests.

Guest Cast: Katrina Sedgwick as Sophie Elliott, Paul Kelman as Paul West, Karyn Greig as Karen, Ken Welsh as Malcolm Bates, Sheridan Murphy as Andrea Bates, Amanda Hughes as Mandy Bates, Jamie Lewis as Alan Bates, Kevin Hides as Dr Black, Mariya Coblenz as Nurse, Andrew Dugan as Ned, David Scanlon as Ray (Kid), Karina Andjelic as Young Girl, Alison Chambers as Prostitute

Sophie (II)

Episodes 593-594
Written by David Phillips (593) and Judith Colquhoun (594)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Terence has trouble accepting Sophie's news. Matt tries to impress a woman by borrowing Michael's identity. Terence and Alex find their lives torn apart once again by Sophie. Jo and Frank go to the aid of a teenager who has been cheated by her employer. Sophie overdoses on heroin and her heart gives out as a result of all the years of abuse. Terence cannot believe his daughter is dead.

Guest Cast: Katrina Sedgwick as Sophie Elliott, Kyrstwyn Hannaford as Phillipa Beck, Kevin Leslie as Ralph Emerson; Paul Kelman as Paul West, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, John Paramor as Charlie Walsh, Toni Pearen as Patty Morrison

Doing It Tough

Episodes 595-596
Written by Dave Marsh (595) and Graeme Koetsveld (596)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

Terence, still grieving over Sophie, leaves Alex and she doesn't know how to handle it. Cathy is working at the club and has to put up with Muldoon. Michael is fed-up with hospital life. Shirley returns from Queensland and tells Frank she has taken up golf. Cathy is having trouble coping with a temperamental French chef. Alex talks a patient out of committing suicide. Michael finally shows his true feelings for Jo. Alex is finding it increasingly difficult coping without Terence, and there is still no word about his whereabouts.

Guest Cast: Brian Moll as Alf Muldoon, Peter Kowitz as Steve White, Mark Eady as Gazza McLaine, Katie Beck as Kylie Donnelly, Jenni Kubler as Mrs Donnelly, David Wood as Anaesthetist; Christian Manon as Marcel, Alan Docker as Jack Lane, Anne Sinclair as Mrs Marcel

Ethics

Episodes 597-598
Written by Geoff Newton (597) and Tom Galbraith (598)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

Alex's plan to go and find Terence is foiled when she learns the truth about the locum she had intended to leave in charge. Michael is jealous and suspicious of Polly Waterford's private nurse, Scott Hennessy. Polly collapses and Scott finds himself faced with a difficult decision. Cathy gets carried away during a moonlit stakeout with Matt.

Guest Cast: Georgie Sterling as Polly Waterford, Tom Jennings as Scott Hennessy, Richard Hill as Dr Dennis Kellahan, Alan Tobin as Alistair Moore, Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Nicki Miller as Julie Miller, Sue Leonard as Sharon; Gerry Duggan as Young Ernie, Alan Faulkner as Reverend Michaels

A Wing and a Prayer

Episodes 599-600
Written by Steve J. Spears (599) and Tim Pye (600)
Directed by Geoffrey Nottage

Matt is convinced that Cathy has gone mad when she decides to take flying lessons. Matron Sloan has to act quickly when a boy has an accident on a tractor. The search is on to find the missing plane which has gone down in the National Park complete with Matron Sloan, Cathy, and young Craig Marshall all on board. Terence returns to Alex but has a lot of explaining to do. Matt and Jo find the plane just as night a drawing in. Alex has difficulty accepting Terence's reasons for his disappearance.

Guest Cast: Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Fredric Abbott as Ron Marshall, Alex McDonald as Craig Marshall, John Stone as Sam Perry, Juliette Knight as Sarah Clements, Tanya Lawson as Melanie Clements; Elizabeth Chance as Ginny Marshall

Back on Course

Episodes 601-602
Written by Judith Colquhoun (601) and Sally Webb (602)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Terence tells Alex of his intention to give up medicine and take up farming full time. Esme finds it difficult entertaining a nine-year-old computer whiz. Terence is refusing to involve himself in hospital affairs, much to Alex and Maggie's frustration. A woman finds it hard to get a straight answer on her new-born baby's condition and jumps to the wrong conclusion that her daughter has died. Alex argues with Terence and forces him to go to the hospital. Once there he continues his "discussion" with Maggie and finally comes to his senses. He explains to Alex that he was frightened of getting involved with people's personal problems after Sophie's death.

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Dr Ian Parker, Lincoln Kinley as Cameron Watson, Gabrielle Adkins as Marie Hall, Christopher Burke as Warren Hall; Courtney Beardwood as Bonny Hall, Georgie Goldstein as Nurse

The Damage Done

Episodes 603-604
Written by David Boutland (603) and Tony Morphett (604)
Directed by Peter Maxwell

A boy turns to his father for help when he is tormented by a fellow student. The hospital chef decides to propose to the girl of his dreams, but wakes up the next morning to find he has popped the question to someone entirely different. A terrified boy takes desperate measures to stop a bully. There are a few surprises for Jo on her eighteenth birthday.

Guest Cast: Geoff Kelso as Andrew McTavish, Sue Leonard as Sharon, Jeff Truman as Alby Goddard, Nicholas Palmer as Kim Goddard, Michael Wyld as Russell Cook; Michael Burgess as Brad Cook

Remember Me

Episodes 605-606
Written by David Phillips (605) and Graeme Koetsveld (606)
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

A dying woman comes to Wandin Valley in search of her daughter. Could the girl who she's looking for be Jo? An asthmatic teenager believes that he condition is turning her into an outcast. Jo is determined to help Wendy find her daughter, even though everyone else is telling her not to get involved. Alex tries to stop a local cigarette company form encouraging teenagers to start smoking by giving away free samples. Jo learns that her friend, Fiona McKenzie, is Wendy's daughter, and she is caught between her friendship with Fiona and the promise she made to Wendy.

Guest Cast: Louise Cogan as Fiona McKenzie, Virginia Rooksby as Wendy Moore, Nana Hauerslev as Emma Price, David Wilson as Bryce McMillan, Emily Stocker as Carmel, Jacqueline Cowell as Donna, Juliet Sterling as Kerry, Nathan McMahon as Roger; Linden Wilkinson as Meg McKenzie, Emma Scanlon as Angie Harris, Greg Ellis as Eric Harris, Penguins on Safari as Rattlesnake Kiss

Personal Choice

Episodes 607-608
Written by Caroline Stanton (607) and Stephen Measday (608)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Jo decides to look for her mother and places an ad in all the local papers. Alex blames herself when Jenny, a girl with renal failure, checks herself out of hospital. Jo is astonished when Michael tells her he wants to buy another motorbike. Jenny, frightened at the prospect of dialysis, takes off. Matt is fed-up of looking after just small animals all of the time. The race is on to find Jenny after she calls the hospital in need of urgent medical attention. Michael finally decides on buying a car, much to Jo's relief.

Guest Cast: Kim Lewis as Jenny Wilson, James Lugton as Andrew Carter, Andrew Hill as Wesley Craven; Kate Smith as Brooke Harper

Power Play

Episodes 609-610
Written by Caroline Stanton (609) and Tom Galbraith (610)
Directed by Mike Smith

Matt finds Sue Daley injured in her car. She says she had a car accident, but Frank has trouble believing her story. Matt is blamed for the death of a prize bull. After much coaxing, Sue finally breaks down and confesses to Alex that she was raped by a guy she gave a lift home to. Maggie has some disturbing news — she is being forced to take a month's leave! Who will she choose to be the hospital's Acting Matron.

Guest Cast: Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Joe James as Charles Poulson, Alan David Lee as John Nash; Kate Turner as Lorraine Nash, Nathaniel Hawkins as Danny Nash, Greg Forbes as Mr Simmons

Sins of the Fathers

Episodes 611-612
Written by Steve J. Spears (611) and Hugh Stuckey (613)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Michael starts his stint as Acting Matron and finds that life certainly wasn't meant to be easy. Matt is disappointed when the lady vet he had been expecting turns out to be a man. Old ghosts come back to haunt Terence on Sophie's birthday. He feels that he's failed not only as a father but as a husband to Alex as well. Cathy is instantly attracted to Mario, the Italian vet. Michael is ready to throw in the towel when plans for the fashion parade go drastically wrong. Bob and Cookie dream of life as millionaires when they strike oil in the National Park.

Guest Cast: Bernadette Hayes as Sue Daley, Don Pascoe as Father McBride, Andrew Hill as Wesley Craven, Frederick Miragliotta as Mario De Benedetto, Mervyn Drake as George Novak, Rona Coleman as Anita Novak, Emma Clare as Sunny Novak, Matthew Ham as Peter Novak; Christopher Weekes as Richard

A Tangled Web

Episodes 613-614
Written by Tom Mitchell (613) and Judith Colquhoun (614)
Directed by Robert Meillon

Bob proclaims his innocence when he is arrested for drunk-driving. Cathy is swept off her feet on a romantic trip to Sydney with Mario but is stunned all the same when Mario proposes over a candlelit dinner. Michael is blamed for the death of a patient in his care and offers his resignation to save the hospital embarrasment when the man's grieving widow threatens to sue. Alex and Terence try to reassure him that the man's death was not his fault but he refuses to listen. An autopsy finally reveals that Michael had absolutely nothing to do with the man's death.

Guest Cast: Frederick Miragliotta as Mario De Benedetto, Linda Newton as Lorraine Weaver, Peter Corbett as Trevor Weaver, Emily Simpson as Katie Willbourne; Alan Docker as Jack Lane, John Bonney as Dr Ken Bush, John Arnold as Mr Redfern

If Good Men Do Nothing

Episodes 615-616
Written by David Boutland (615) and Tim Pye (616)
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

Cathy prepares to fly off to Italy with Mario, but more important matters come first when she uncovers a marijuana plantation in the National Park. Frank is excited at the thought of making a big drug bust. Cathy starts to have second thoughts about Mario and her trip and when she realises that she doesn't know him as well as she thought she did. The Valley gets ready for a fancy dress ball when Shirley finds an old trunk full of costumes. Cathy tells Mario she can't marry him and decides to stay in Wandin Valley, much to the relief of Matt.

Guest Cast: Frederick Miragliotta as Mario De Benedetto, Simon Gratton as Ken Reilly, Danny Taylor as Gary Fowler, Chris Hession as Thug No. 1, Jack Mayers as Thug No. 2, Allan Penney as Percy Hudson; Laurie Butler as Herb Munro, Mark McCann as Man in Hospital

Legacy

Episodes 617-618
Written by Tim Pye (617) and David Phillips (618)
Directed by Mike Smith

A boy is injured in a car accident and Frank is having trouble finding the driver responsible. Matt's day doesn't start too well when he gets a visit from the taxation department. A woman has a difficult decision to make when her young son dies, while her friend grapples with a guilty conscience. Cathy and Matt do battle with a crotchety old man. Michael cannot wait for Matron Sloan's return as he is not enjoying his stint at Acting Matron.

Guest Cast: Michelle Fawdon as Marge Owens, Will Prehn as Tommy Owens, Deidre Rubenstein as Helen Francis, Dennis Clements as Adrian Irving, Andy Devine as Bert Chisolm, Darryn Webber as Ambulanceman, Cedric McLaughlin as Dr Norton; Willie Fennell as Skeeter Martin

Family Ties

Episodes 619-620
Written by Geoff Newton (619) and Sally Webb (620)
Directed by Leigh Spence

Matt helps a young woman give birth in Cathy's barn. Alex has some news for Terence, but she's not sure how he will react to it. Why is Matron Sloan in such a good mood upon returning form her holiday? Is the a new man on the horizon? A goat wreaks havoc in the hospital when Jo tries to help a lonely old lady. Alex finally plucks up courage and tells Terence that she is pregnant. To her delight, he is as happy as she is with the news. With a bit of encouragement from Dot Ryan, Michael proposes to Jo, who ecstatically accepts.

Guest Cast: Dorothy St Heaps as Dot Ryan, Beth Buchanan as Emma Stevenson, Laurie Butler as Herb Munro, Jarryd Blake as Baby Sean; Stuart McCreery as Roger Stevenson, Elisabeth Crosby as Lyn Stevenson

Note: Beth Buchanan's fifth guest appearance appearing previously in years 82, 83, 84 and 85

The Right Medicine

Episodes 621-622
Written by Dave Marsh (621) and Tom Galbraith (622)
Directed by Robert Meillon

A flu epidemic hits the town and Alex ignores Terence's plea to take it easy. Jo shows off her new engagement ring. Cathy is being forced to choose between being a farmer and a ranger as she is finding it had juggling both jobs. Alex is finally bitten by the flu which then turns to pneumonia. Matt helps Cathy in her fight to save the farm. Alex is getting worse and fears for her baby's wellbeing. Cathy decides to sell the farm and concentrate on being a ranger. After having a scan, Alex tells Terence the sex of their baby — it's a girl.

Guest Cast: Lois Ramsay as Pearl Murray, D.J. Foster as Glen Morgan, Andrew Hill as Wesley Craven, Vickii Christie as Mrs Miller, Doug Ramsay as Mr Nelson, Sheila Gribble as Mrs Fahey; Jon Sidney as Byron Skinner, Sue Leonard as Sharon

Note: end guest cast credits change from static screens to scrolling