Australian-American relations are strained when Kimberley White returns to the crossing with her son Todd, who rapidly alienates everyone with his caustic remarks.
Kate feels taken for granted, and resigns to compete in a rodeo - only to find herself soon in need of the flying doctors. Meanwhile Sam and Emma are finding life on the farm very difficult.
An unexpected and unwelcome visitor from Maggie's past arrives in Coopers Crossing to receive some grim news. Sam takes his first student for flying lessons.
Sam and Emma face ruin on their new farm when the dams run dry. Dougie causes a near-disaster on a visit to his cousin and Marty and Paula are left in charge of Vic's pub - which is almost demolished.
A handsome stranger appears in town and surprises everyone by claiming to be Geoff's elder brother. He soon becomes a favourite with the townsfolk, but why does Geoff seem to have a grudge against him?
Geoff's elder brother becomes very popular with Coopers Crossing, but only Geoff knows his true character. When Barry makes a play for Kate, she ignores Geoff's warnings - to her cost.
George Baxter is forced into becoming a custodian of two streetwise kids. Sam unearths more of Maggie's tragic past. A tired and irritable Chris finally admits she needs Geoff's medical assistance.
When an air accident leaves two sisters seriously injured, the man they both live with has to make a difficult choice. Kate returns from her break determined to make her separation from Coopers Crossing permanent.
An old friend of Emma's becomes a cause for concern at the crossing. Geoff and Kate take their first tentative steps towards stabilising their relationship.
Culture comes to Coopers Crossing in the shape of the Junior Strings of Melbourne, causing an outbreak of snobbery and resentment. To make matters worse, the lead violinist develops a crush on Emma.
There is astonishment among the townsfolk when a new father announces his son's birth as the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Chris has to cope with fears about her forthcoming operation in Sydney.