australian television information archive

Will To Survive [Part 1]

Episode 1.01
Thu, May 15, 1986
Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Rob Stewart

City doctor Chris Randall arrives in Coopers Crossing but many of the locals object to having a female doctor at their local RFDS station. When Chris takes radical action to save a patient's life, things go from bad to worse. The Nomad is unable to take injured Jim Spencer back to the hospital. His leg injury is so horrific Chris believes his life is at risk and decides to amputate his leg under very challenging circumstances, even though his wife argues strongly against it. Meanwhile, Tom and Kate treat Ted Hudson's stomach complaint but end up trying to re-unite him with his sons.

Starring: Andrew McFarlane as Dr Tom Callaghan, Liz Burch as Dr Chris Randall

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Manning, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert

Guests: Chris Connelly as Ray Masters, Martin Vaughan as Ted Hudson, Mark Hennessy as Colin Hudson, Glennen Fahey as Paul Hudson, Lloyd Cunnington as Jim Spencer, Margo McLennan as Helen Spencer, Simon Thorpe as Mellow Truckie, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Notes: episode numbering follows that on the 9Now streaming service. The starring cast will only be listed as the start of a series and when it changes

Trial By Gossip [Part 2]

Episode 1.02
Thu, May 22, 1986
W: Christine McCourt
D: Rob Stewart

Chris faces a cold reception from the people of Coopers Crossing following her amputation of Jim Spencer's leg. The locals remain convinced she could have treated Jim without resorting to amputation. Patients refuse to be treated by her and George Baxter threatens to sue for malpractice. Meanwhile, Chris suffers from recurring nightmares about that fateful night at the Spencer's property and has moments of self doubt. Later, Chris finds herself in the midst of another emergency when a young girl who is suffering from croup needs an emergency tracheotomy. The girl's mother is adamant that Chris should not perform the procedure but Tom gets Baxter to speak to the woman over the radio and he convinces the mother to allow Chris to operate on the girl. Meanwhile, the RFDS gets a new pilot when David Gibson speeds into town with his dog, Zepplin.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Manning, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert

Guests: Chris Connelly as Ray Masters, Lloyd Cunnington as Jim Spencer, Margo McLennan as Helen Spencer, Wendy Madigan as Joanne Stuart, Katrina Lambert as Sarah Stuart, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Hot Enough For You

Episode 1.03
Thu, May 29, 1986
W: Vincent Moran
D: Arch Nicholson

A Scottish family who have no knowledge of the conditions in the Australian Outback have a tragic time. The Robertsons pass through Coopers Crossing seeking a job on an outlying property when they get lost. After spending the night in their disabled car, Mr Robertson goes off on foot to look for help leaving his wife and three children behind. However, Mrs Roberson collapses from dehydration and two of her sons wander off and also become lost in the bush. When Mr Robertson is found near death, an emergency is declared and a search is started to locate the rest of the family before the heat kills them. They manage to locate the family but it is too late for one of them.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert

Guests: Neil Melville as Niall Robertson, Lorna Leslie as Janice Robertson, Richard Chambers as Alfred Robertson, David Hall as Alexander Robertson, Maija Maleckas as Meg Robertson. John Proper as Peter Varney, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Dreams of Sand

Episode 1.04
Thu, June 05, 1986
W: Peter Hepworth
D: Arch Nicholson

Hurtle returns from his holiday in Surfers Paradise and reveals that he intends to sell his half of the garage and move up north. Ron can't get a bank loan to buy the business and gives Hurtle a hard time for wanting to move because of a woman — until Hurtle's dreams are dashed when his marriage proposal in rejected. Dave's relationship with Sharon gets him in hot water with Vic. Chris tries to help an eccentric old opal miner after he is injured in a cave-in. Ron saves Hurtle after be is bitten by a snake.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert

Guests: Willie Fennell as 'Rabbit' Cox, Robina Beard as Dot Collins, Ed Turley as Barwick, Doug Bennett as Harry, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Public Property

Episode 1.05
Thu, June 12, 1986
W: Denise Morgan
D: Colin Budds

The locals gear up for the annual Great Desert Boat Race, hoping Hurtle and Ron might finally be defeated. Tom takes in a young woman when her fiancé-to-be abandons her after learning she is pregnant. Chris is tasked with providing the prize sheep for the RFDS fundraiser. David forces Tom and Chris to spend some relaxing time together.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Brian Mannix as Max

Guests: Rowena Mohr as Joylene, Peter Curtin as Clive Hayes, Mark Neal as Bruce Hayes, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Is Nothing Sacred

Episode 1.06
Thu, June 19, 1986
W: Peter Schreck
D: Colin Budds

A well-known black activist arrives in Coopers Crossing. George Baxter is concerned she's stirring up the locals about land rights but when she and Tom grow close, Tom is accused of taking sides when tempers in the town flare. A cancer patient refuses to go to the city for treatment, Ron and Hurtle start a movie lending library.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter [uncredited], Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert

Guests: Marina Finlay as Debbie Wilson, Ted Hepple as Don Shepherd, Rodney Sharp as Vince, Mark Slater as Johnno, Trevor Phillips as Elder, Ian Shrives as Hooker, Christopher Plummer as Ken

Square Pegs

Episode 1.07
Thu, June 26, 1986
W: Howard Griffiths
D: Chris Langman

Chris performs well at the annual shooting competition and finds acceptance in the local community. A young man struggling to live up to his father's expectations overdoses on drugs stolen from the doctor's plane. A developmentally challenged man causes a ruckus in the pub. Chris tries to help the man after his mother's death.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Brian Mannix as Max

Guests: Norman Yemm as Andrew Cameron, Rosie Sturgess as Ruth Pitt, Marcus Eyre as Hugh Pitt, Wade Beed as Matt Cameron

Sins of the Fathers

Episode 1.08
Mon, July 07, 1986
W: Peter Pinney
D: Chris Langman

A woman insists her pregnant niece be allowed to give birth at the family's remote farm. When the doctors are called out to help with a difficult labour, the inquisitive doctors uncovers the truth of the situation. Matters escalate when the child is abducted leading to a fight for custody of the baby. Ron and Hurtle are assigned babysitting duties to help look after a group of rowdy kids while their mother is in hospital. Ron is seriously injured and is sent to Sydney for treatment after he saves one of the children from an explosive. The locals are still hopeful that Tom and Chris will get together. The pair feed into the rumours by turning up to Violet's fancy dress party together.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fisher, John Frawley as Dr Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert

Guests: Ross Thompson as Ross Windsor, Jane Menelaus as Mrs. Windsor, Vikki Blanche as Prue Browning, Lesley Baker as Mrs. Jackson

Rally to the Cause

Episode 1.09
Mon, July 14, 1986
W: Peter Herbert
D: Brendan Maher

Coopers Crossing is abuzz with excitement as an international London to Sydney car rally passes through the small outback town. Kiwi driver Sandra Wetherby catches Dave's eye and he helps her get back on the road after her car is sabotaged. Tom gets jealous when he sees Chris spending time with Piere, the handsome and charming french driver. Kate frustrated by Tom overlooking her as a romantic interest. Hurtle's 20-year-old mechanic niece, Emma, turns up out of the blue looking for work at the garage.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Brian Mannix as Max, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Shane Briant as Pierre, Nikki Coghill as Sandra Wetherby, Matt Kay as Noah, George Vidalis as Claude, Ross Newton as Harry

Note: Rebecca Gibney's first appearance

Talk of the Town

Episode 1.10
Mon, July 21, 1986
W: Mary Dagmar Davies
D: Brendan Maher

Emma attempts to tackle the garage's finances after discovering a trove of unpaid invoices. Chris and Tom have difficulty finding time for themselves and their new relationship is the talk of the town. Ron returns from Sydney to learn Emma has taken his job at the garage. Tom's invitation to speak at a medical seminar in New York City could ground his relationship with Chris. Violet has difficulty coping after being diagnosed with diabetes. Tom rescues Chris from a dust storm. Hurtle loses interest in running the garage and leaves for the oilfields.

Regulars: Max Cullen as Hurtle, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Do You Read Me?

Episode 1.11
Mon, July 28, 1986
W: Galia Hardy
D: Colin Budds

Chris prescribes the contraceptive pill for a teenage girl in Coopers Crossing. But she didn't bank on the locals finding out from Violet that the Pill had been given to a young unmarried girl. The doctors must clear a runway to evacuate a man injured on a remote drill site. Max and his girlfriend are injured in a car accident. Ron doesn't like how Emma has cleaned up the garage.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Brian Mannix as Max, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Lindy Davies as Linda Cooke, Taya Straton as Margie Cooke, David Hawker as Frank Rose, Sam Hopgood as Johnnie Rose, Don Bridges as chemist [uncredited]

E.T. — New Girl in Town

Episode 1.12
Mon, Aug 04, 1986
W: Vincent Gil
D: Colin Budds

Tom and Dave rescue a young girl living in primitive conditions in the outback. They bring her back to Coopers Crossing hoping to get her placed in care but she become attached to Tom. Ron talks a big game about wanting to leave Coopers Crossing but arranges things so he has to stick around.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: John Orscik as Bevan, Nadine Garner as Amanda, Judith Bourke as Mrs. Sutton, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

A Choice of Enemies

Episode 1.13
Mon, Aug 11, 1986
W: Judy Colquhoun
D: Dan Burstall

A young adventurer cycling through the outback eats a poisonous plant and has to be airlifted out. Tom cautions the man, the son of a wealthy mining magnate, against continuing his voyage given how Ill-prepared he is for travel in the outback. A newspaper reporter from the city arrives in Coopers Crossing to write a story on the corporate take-over of family farms. The doctors are called out to help a child with severe burns and are unable to attend to the cyclist when he is injured in a crash. When the cyclist dies, the reporter writes a scathing article criticising Tom for prioritizing the life of the child. A woman asks Tom for help convincing her husband to sell their struggling farm but he finds a way to give them a second chance.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Rod Mullinar as Darcy Adams, Simon Thorpe as Adrian Bailey, Max Bruch as Rex Bailey, Beverley Phillips as Phyllis Kent, Don Barker as Frank Kent, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2, uncredited as Bob Morris, uncredited as Mrs Miller

Departures

Episode 1.14
Mon, Aug 18, 1986
W: Graham Hartley
D: Dan Burstall

Sharon decides move to Sydney to pursue a career in social work. Tom is called out to attend to the injuries to a drunk on a two-week bender. In the process Tom helps the man see his drinking has him on the verge of losing his wife and farm. Adding to the man's woes, his head stockman has stolen some of George Baxter's cattle.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Richard Moss as Jim Dawson, Anne Scott Pendlebury as Peg Dawson, Greg Carroll as Sam Foster, Michael Thompson as Ant

A Lost Generation

Episode 1.15
Mon, Aug 25, 1986
W: Gwenda Marsh
D: Brendan Maher

Preparations are made to unveil a plaque to honour the men who died in Vietnam, but Chris and Tom discover they have different opinions on war. George cautions Violet when a young woman arrives in Coopers Crossing claiming to be her granddaughter. Ron challenges David to a car race to win the right to take the young woman to the ball. Tom ruffles some feathers when he declines an invitation to join the RSL Club. Joe struggles to cope with heis memories of the war. Nancy takes over for Sharon at base.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Joy Smithers as Claire Dobson, Graham Dow as Brigadier Marshall, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Someone Special

Episode 1.16
Mon, Sept 01, 1986
W: John Reeves
D: Brendan Maher

The relationship between Tom and Chris has reached a critical point and marriage rumours are circulating the town. Moved by images of the famine in Ethiopia, Tom decides to leave Coopers Crossing to join the international relief effort. Chris declines his invitation to join him. Ron leaves his job at the garage to move up north to Darwin to work in a casino.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Mark Little as Ron Miller, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Note: Mark Little and Andrew McFarlane depart

Return of the Hero

Episode 1.17
Mon, Sept 08, 1986
W: Tony Morphett
D: Mark Callan

A war hero with AIDS is spurned by the locals when they discover he is sick — and a homosexual. Chris is one of the few who reaches out to help him. Hotshot doctor Geoffrey Standish arrives from Sydney to fill the vacancy created by Tom's departure. Chris questions his fitness for the job when she finds him drunk while on call but learns the tragedy in his past that brought him to Coopers Crossing for a fresh start.

Starring: Robert Grubb as Dr. Geoffrey Standish, Liz Burch as Dr Chris Randall

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Gerard Kennedy as Les Foster, Peter Fisher as Johnnie, Russell Newman as Ted Foster, Sydney Jackson as Fr. Jackson, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Note: Robert Grubb joins the starring cast, replacing Andrew McFarlane, and Sydney Jackson makes his first appearance as Father Jackson. He returns as a regular in series 2

Eye of the Beholder

Episode 1.18
Mon, Sept 15, 1986
W: Cassandra Carter
D: Mark Callan

Chris fears for Geoff's chances of survival in Coopers Crossing. When Kate refuses to participate in the Miss Coopers Crossing pageant at town's annual festival, Violet Carnegie has to convince the "un-feminine" Emma to run. Kate saves George Baxter's life after he is struck by lightning.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Judith McGrath as Cynthia Cumberland-Brown, Jill Mancini as Melissa Cumberland-Brown, Peter Tabor as Bernie, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Like a Death In The Family

Episode 1.19
Mon, Sept 22, 1986
W: Roger Dunn
D: Dan Burstal

After buying out a property at auction, George Baxter is confronted by the previous owner who accuses Baxter of taking advantage of his financial struggles. Baxter tries to rehabilitate his image by organising a cross country race fundraiser but an act of revenge has dangerous repercussions. Geoff opens up to Emma about losing his wife to cancer. Nancy learns that she must have a hysterectomy but refuses to have the life-saving procedure. Sharon returns from the city out of concern for Nancy.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Frank Gallacher as Harry Morgan, Carole Skinner as Joan Morgan, Dominic Sweeney as Peter Morgan, John Jacobs as Charlie, Paul Young as Auctioneer [Joe], Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2

Million-Acre Prison

Episode 1.20
Mon, Sept 29, 1986
W: Peter Schreck
D: Dan Burstall

Chris is called out to attent to a child who has been fatally shot only to be grounded due to bad weather. Trapped in the midst of the difficult situation, Chris and David are on hand to witness the family fall apart in the aftermath of the tragedy. Geoff is believed to be leaving Coopers Crossing after he receives a job offer from a clinic in Sydney. Geoff searches for a VHS copy of Amadeus.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Sean Scully as Barry Irving, Lynette Curran as Jean Irving, Peter Gwynne as John Irving, Gregory Fleet as Mark Irving

Fearless Frank

Episode 1.21
Mon, Oct 06, 1986
W: Peter Hepworth
D: Colin Budds

A disturbed man causes havoc when he comes out of sedation during a flight. Dave Gibson takes some much-needed time off but car trouble keeps him in Coopers Crossing longer than he'd like. Meanwhile, his fearless replacement causes problems for the RFDS with his risk-taking maneuvers but it his his health that may ground him for good. Chris confides in Geoff that she is missing Tom. Sharon defers her studies in Sydney to resume her old job at the base.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Ray Barrett as Frank Watson, Val Lehman as Val Bates, Tommy Dysart as Simpson, John Proper as Don Kennedy

Forgiveness

Episode 1.22
Mon, Oct 13, 1986
W: Graham Hartley and Annie Beach
D: Colin Budds

Geoff gets caught up in an intriguing situation when a prowler threatens a local woman. When she shoots the unidentified assailant in the dark of night, she is the one who ends up facing charges. Kate flies out to Broken Hill with Dave so she can surprise George only to find him with another woman.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Robyn Gibbes as Sarah Gordon, Klaus Schulz as Martin Gordon, Niall O'Donnell as Mick, Trevor Gare as Snake, Rhonda Burchmore as Carol, Paul Glen as Fred, uncredited as Arch

Acceptance

Episode 1.23
Mon, Oct 20, 1986
W: Graham Hartley
D: Mark Defriest

Geoff becomes close to a quantum physicist who is injured in a single vehicle accident. Geoff tries to force the woman into care when he learns she has a brain tumor for which she has refused treatment. She accuses Geoff of using her to make amends for his inability to save his wife. The Cochrane brothers descend on Coopers Crossing. The troublesome pair convince Vic to join them on a gold hunt which sees the brothers nearly blow themselves up. After checking themselves out of hospital, the pair get into a fight at the pub which could have catastrophic results.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Katrina Foster as Josie Rattan, Graham Duckett as Carbine Cochrane, Gary Adams as Pharlap Cochrance, Glenn Robbins as Mac, Peter Moon as Clem, Laurie Dobson as Radiographer

The Show Goes On

Episode 1.24
Mon, Oct 27, 1986
W: Vince Moran
D: Mark Defriest

A troupe of cash-strapped travelling theatre players have an accident on the road to Coopers Crossing. When their unscrupulous manager absconds with their money, the locals pitch in to see that the show goes on. Joe breaks out of his boring and predictable life by taking to the stage but rejects an offer to follow the group to Sydney. Meanwhile, one of the troupe members rejects treatment after a cancer diagnosis.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Penny Fischer as Lyn, Julian Branagan as Rick, Robert Morgan as Steve Ryan, Andrew Spence as Col, Patsy Martin as Mrs. Burke, Marty Fields as Piano Player, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger No. 2, uncredited as Don, uncredited as Bev

Note: guest star Marty Fields (Piano Player, pictured) is the son of series regulars Maurie Fields and Val Jellay.

To the Rescue, Part I

Episode 1.25
Mon, Nov 03, 1986
W: Vince Moran
D: Colin Budds

Two violent, pill-seeking trappers cause no end of trouble after they are turned away from one of the Flying Doctors' remote clinics. The doctors are eventually called on to assist the pair when they need emergency medical attention. Nancy encourages Vic to run for office to replace a long-serving politician who is retiring. Initially reluctant to put his name forward, Vic gets his hopes up only to be challenged by Frank Turner and George Baxter. Kate mediates a compromise when Violet and Emma have some last-minute conflicts over the Queen of the Outback contest.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Mitchell Faircloth as Chook, Terry Brittingham as Gary, Esme Melville as Grace, Paddy Burnet as Edie, Matt Brown as Spike, Marcus White as Carrots, Robin Dene as Ted Willis [uncredited]

Into The Future, Part II

Episode 1.26
Mon, Nov 10, 1986
W: Vince Moran
D: Colin Budds

The Queen of the Outback competition in held in Windoona with Emma taking the crown. Dave accepts a lucrative job offer from the country's largest charter airline. Vic and Frank Turner lose the candidate selection to George Baxter. Dave is critically injured after he is forced to make a crash landing in the outback while flying Baxter and Kate back to Cooper's Crossing. Responding to the accident, Geoff performs a risky mid-flight operation before taking Dave into the operating theatre once back at the hospital. Dave comes through but dies while being transported to Broken Hill for further care.

Regulars: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as David Gibson, Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Gil Tucker as Joe Forrest, Carmel Millhouse as Matron Fischer, John Frawley as Dr. Turner, Kylie Belling as Sharon Herbert, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Plimpton

Guests: Sydney Jackson as Fr. "Jacko", Louise Siversen as Debbie, Robin Dene as Ted Wills, John Murphy as Edward Taylor, Allen Bickford as Arthur Maxwell, Carl Bleazby as Clarrie Byrne, Tina Arena as Miss Broken Hill, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger No. 1