A trio of Australian sheep-shearers are a big hit with the locals when they arrive in Aidensfield to help out at Grimedale Farm, but when they upset an angry bully desperate to impress his abusive father, it lands one of them behind bars after they are framed for the theft of a watch, whilst Joe and Carol try to protect the farmer's daughter, an aspiring nurse who is being terrorised by her brother. As she locks lips with Australians, Rosie is surprised when another lover from the past makes a reappearance and has to choose between two exciting offers for the future. Meanwhile, Peggy starts a laundry service, but leaves David doing all the work when the washing machine proves to have a mind of its own, Bellamy isn't happy when he discovers Gina has been taking contraceptives and worries she no longer wants a baby, whilst Joe is saddened when Miller tells him that his time at Ashfordly is nearly over as his replacement has been found.

Joe prepares to take up his new post in London, although he secretly doesn't want to leave Aidensfield, but with the arrival of Rob Walker's permanent replacement Don Wetherby, it seems it's too late for him to change his mind. Carol is administering vaccinations at the local school when she notices extensive bruising on a boy's body and suspects he is being abused by his stepfather, just as his biological father returns to the area and demands custody of his son. However, tragedy strikes when a violent conflict outbreaks between the angry father and stepfather - with Joe, Bellamy and new recruit Wetherby caught in the crossfire. Meanwhile, Gina and Blaketon organise a charity quiz night on Lord Ashfordly's urging, but the evening is fated to be a disaster when Peggy's competitive streak gets the better of her.