Tension is high between some members of the community and the seasonal fruit pickers, who are in town for the orange harvest. While making a house call at the Cameron farm, Terence spots one of the picker's children, Lexy Popovich. At first thinking that the child has malnutrition (because of his swollen stomach), Terence comes to the conclusion that the child has a hydatic cyst. After much convincing, Lexy's mother Sandra allows Terence to operate. The operation is a success. However, Sandra—who is attempting to hold down her job, regularly visit Lexy at the hospital, and, resultingly, is not taking adequate care of her health—collaspes whilst working.

Meanwhile, Shirley tries to dissuade Frank's interest in her by cooking for him (showing, she thinks, that she would be a bad wife). However, the plan backfires when Frank announces that he can cook and proceeds to whip up a gourmet meal.

Terence comes to the aid of a woman suffering from agoraphobia.

Molly assists at the veterinary practice when Vicky falls ill, while Simon uses this as an opportunity to get closer to her.

A three-year-old child is treated by the team after falling off a moving plough.

Shirley continues to replace her craving for cigarettes with food.

Marta learns that the Hospital Workers' Union has advised workers to strike for a pay rise, leaving only the medical staff to run the hospital.

Shirley, Molly, and Vicky assist at the hospital during the strike.

Simon performs his first operation in the valley on Kathy Pieri. However, what is at first thought to be an appendicitis turns out to be something quite different.

Terence worries that problems at home may be the cause of Brett Morgan's anxiety and inability to study or sleep.

Vicky becomes upset when Terence refers to his wife in Sydney.