Kings Cross, 1969: An ambitious midwife returns from London to uncover a system of forced adoptions at the local hospital. A pregnant country girl, Viv, wakes to find she's been drugged by her parents and sent to a home for unwed mothers.

Joan risks her career to help Annie get her baby back, unaware of the implications for Dr McNaughton. Patricia's mother visits from Melbourne and offers her daughter an early exit from Stanton House.

As Kings Cross is invaded by soldiers on rest and relaxation leave from the Vietnam War, Joan helps Viv track down her brother. After losing her baby, Annie's life spirals out of control until she is rescued by an unlikely guardian angel.

Joan fights the hospital 'boys club' for her right to complete her medical degree. Johnny is arrested after an anti-war protest, while Shirley goes into premature labour. Annie gets the opportunity of a lifetime at a Kings Cross nightclub.

Joan's world is rocked when she uncovers the truth about Annie's baby. Shirley's affair with Johnny is exposed when her husband returns injured from Vietnam. Annie's singing career takes off when she appears on TV show Bandstand.

Joan wrestles with the consequences of telling Annie the truth about her baby. Shirley is left with a seriously ill baby and no money when Johnny goes on the run from the police. Viv uncovers a disturbing secret about Matron.

Joan fears the worst when Annie kidnaps her baby back from the McNaughton family. Johnny makes a shocking sacrifice and Patricia's dreams for the future are shattered when her boyfriend finally visits Stanton House.