Bed of Roses (2008) s02e04 Episode Script
Gaaa... aarth
Breathe into this for me.
It's just routine.
"Undertaker Drives Drunk On Job"? How could you do this to Sean? Why won't you listen to me? It was Tim! You would exploit a young kid's misery just to make a few bucks? Can we get real here? This is a newspaper! A story like this is manna from heaven! Not in Rainbow's End, Tim! This is not the way we do things around here.
Would you like to come back to mine for coffee? I don't think that's a good idea.
I know how tough it is ending a marriage.
Let's go! (All chant) Clean soil! Clean water! Clean air! Clean up! Move in.
- Get off me! Don't touch me! - Leave her alone! - Let go of her! - Let go of me! I don't think now is the right time for you to take on such a big cause.
How much time do you think this planet's got left? I want to do more than what I'm doing and I don't know how.
Years back, the Heritage Committee bought this land for a pittance.
They say gold was discovered in the creek after one of the locals swam in it.
When he got out, he was covered in so much gold dust, he lit up like a Christmas tree.
There's a gold mine round here, and there was an old rock wall built by the Chinese, and they worked on the tailings.
You still find bits of pottery and old coins, if you look.
Now, look look around.
Don't be shy.
So, when did you say your ancestors arrived here, Tsung Chi? Oh, um 1868 is last letter our great-great grandparent received from Ah Chin.
They never hear from him after that.
Many Chinese come to Victoria gold rush.
More than 50,000.
Maybe he walked through here just like we have, babe.
We re-trace his step.
Find clue, like detectives.
Rainbow's End, CSI.
Sandy, something's been eating these.
Is this channel made of rock? It's a water race.
They were dug by hand.
Your countrymen were a pretty industrious lot.
What's wrong? Nothing.
The Chinese men have troubled life when they were here.
Well, we didn't greet them with open arms.
I'd be surprised if there aren't a few ghosts around.
Ghosts? Goats more like! An entire herd! That bloody Alan's let his goats in here again! (Bleating) I lay down in the a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails It's the oldest of tales Lose the wind from your sails I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails.
"Deb Mathieson works with native OUR native animals" I've been looking at Caring Caroline, Vivien, and I think we should expand her to two columns.
- Do you think so, Tim? - She's becoming very popular.
So everyone's saying.
Not that they know it's me.
- This issue? - If you can manage it.
I'll get onto it immediately.
We're expanding Caring Caroline.
Yes, which was my idea.
Vivien.
- I like your shoes.
Are they new? - What? - New? - Yes.
Yes, the old ones wore out and I er I thought a new pair was appropriate.
- They look good, Vivien.
- Thank you.
Could you proofread this? I'm hoping a free advertorial on the Smithwicks will make up for the paper's faux pas.
The paper's faux pas?! We had nothing to do with what you did to Sean.
Oh, my God! I've gotta go.
I've got a story to write.
- Cappuccino? - No, thank you.
(Rhythmic hooting) Yeah, I've been taking him out every evening for the last few weeks.
There's a creek down there and an unused burrow.
Hopefully, he'll move into that.
Come on, Walter.
Out you go.
There you go.
Here.
I'll check on him in the next couple of days.
It must be such a wonderful feeling, putting them back in the wild where they came from.
Yeah, it is.
His mum was knocked by a car.
He was still inside her pouch.
Seen enough? I've got to organise a school booking for Monday, got to feed the little ones, and then Trev and I are going out for dinner.
It's our anniversary.
Oh! Why didn't you say? - Happy anniversary.
- Thanks.
26 years.
Can't believe it.
- Wow! This has all changed.
- We've done heaps of work on it.
It's good.
Lots of different pens for the different animals.
The public doesn't come in here.
Injured animals are stressed enough as it is.
Hello.
- You've inherited him? - (Squawks) Don't you sweet-talk us, mister.
Caw's an itinerant.
He won't stay long.
Oh, my heavens! This is an incredible amount of work! Well, we're managing.
No use sitting on the pity pot.
You either shit in it or get off.
You can quote me.
- Have a shit.
- He does! You're really going into this in depth, aren't you? Well, you know, if the subject matter warrants it.
I think I've finally found what I'm good at.
Just like you have.
(Phone rings) Oh, sorry.
It's OK.
(Gasps) Aah! Sorry, I've got to go! - I'll call you! - OK.
and advertorial 3 on page 20.
Ah, good, Louisa, now you're here, I want to talk about syndication.
- Nice of you to join us.
- You said the meeting was at five.
No, I said I had to leave at five.
It's an extra income stream, and I'm encouraging you all to on-sell your articles.
The Echo gets 10% and you the rest.
It's what most newspapers do now.
- Tim said circulation has increased markedly.
- Yeah, thanks to all your hard work.
I've organised five advertorials for the middle section.
- They just need to be proofread.
- What, "Cars, cars, cars"? Hey, we were holding page 20 for the community profile.
Deb doesn't usually advertise with us, does she? Only because she can't afford to.
And we can't afford to put her in ahead of paid copy.
- Can we hold her over to next week? - Yeah, I suppose.
- Good, then we'll use it next week.
- Fine.
Or the week after.
Louisa, make sure you give me a copy of that article.
- We can talk about it later.
Marty.
- Yup.
Hey, have you done the report on the end-of-school carnival? - Yeah.
Keep your shirt on! - It's late, it's not typed, and my God, you've spilt something on it! (Sniffs) Beer.
Waste of a good drop.
(Groans) And you're a drop-kick! Can you type this, please? Well, I would have, but I thought you were in a hurry.
(Sighs) But those goats are feral! They've ring-barked every tree on the property! - At least they keep the place clear.
- Yeah, they kill everything! Better than a fire trap! I'm not living next to a weed-infested jungle! Couldn't we try to find some common ground? I know what you're up to! Adverse possession.
- Well, it won't work! - Adverse possession? - I offered to buy the bloody place! - So you can turn it into a feed lot! - The Heritage Committee owns that land.
- The Heritage Committee! Ooh! The Heritage Committee are a bunch of environmental Nazis! Just one minute! Look, I'm sick and tired of being told what to do by geriatrics.
I'll have a word with him when he's calmed down.
Oh, don't bother, Sandy.
He won't listen.
Get your goats off that land, Owen! Well, get that bloody land cleared up! We've got to do something about the committee's image.
He was just trying to upset you.
Environmental Nazis? I mean, do people really see me like that? Don't take any notice of him.
But perhaps you should pull back just a bit.
Have some quality time.
That's what they say nowadays, isn't it? Now where did I park Myrtle? Oh, Sandy! She's up on the road! Oh! What a lovely day it is for a stroll.
"With some people it's not about monetary gain.
Is it a search for self-expression? A need to help? What makes them give so much of themselves?" It seems that the Roos might just keep on this winning steak, Marty.
The point is, I need an assistant coach.
Well l'd love to cut up oranges for you, Marty, at half-time, but I think I'll give it a miss.
Think about it, mate.
The Roos are on the up and up.
Listen, Marty, I think you should type these.
- Me? - Yeah.
It's your job.
OK.
Oh, she's hot! I think I'm going to write to her myself.
She gives really good advice.
You don't want whole town know your business.
Oh, no, no, no.
Caring Caroline ensures anonymity.
You know who is she? Busybody is who she is.
Not good to involve other people's lives.
Mum, she's obviously really lived.
- Do you think so? - Definitely.
- Louisa, I've got your order.
- Thanks, Lily.
Trev, where's Deb? Where do you reckon? I'm the animal widower as usual.
I guess you could say I'm not on her list of priorities.
- She was really looking forward to this.
- So was I.
Um Well, I'm sure she'll be here any minute.
Give her a call.
There's bound to be a good reason.
I know.
I've heard them all.
At the end of the day, she sleeps with her head in my lap.
Her whiskers quiver, I stroke her ears, and sit very still so she won't wake up.
- She's my friend and I tell her" - I love you, My Dog Mab.
- Maybe we should get you to bed, eh, pumpkin? - No.
Yes! And maybe we could have an early night ourselves? I'll do it.
It takes a while to get her settled.
I meant I'm so tired.
Me, too.
I'm exhausted.
(Music blares) Sweetheart? I'm home! Hi, Sean.
Have you guys eaten? I don't think we're meant to eat anything yet.
- Hi, Mum.
- I er I got takeaway.
- What is this?! - Homework.
I'm doing a school project on carbon footprints.
So far this week, you guys have spent 250 bucks on food.
- That much? - Some families spend only $1.
50 - and there's seven of them.
- What, for a week? No, that can't We have to add up all the energy we use.
Like re-heating that takeaway costs energy.
These tomatoes, they come from Italy.
That uses energy, too.
By adding up the total of what you use, you get your carbon footprint.
And you haven't got the TV, washing machine or hairdryer yet.
According to this, you need six times the world's resources to sustain your lifestyle, and you guys are an average family.
- No, that can't be right.
- How are we gonna cut back? Go on a diet.
- Mum! - Oh, I'm kidding.
You could put that in the newspaper.
We could start an awareness campaign.
Holl, that's a really good idea.
Yeah, you could write it up as a double-page spread.
- You're the editor, aren't you? - Yes, allegedly.
Mum, that's what the newspapers are for, isn't it? You can't keep going like this.
All right, I'll see what I can do.
- Good.
- Florence Nightingale.
(Sighs) (Door opens and slams) Here.
You may as well have these.
Happy anniversary.
- I'm sorry I didn't get there.
- Yeah? So am I.
I left a message.
(Sniffs) Walter got mauled by dogs.
I just got back from the vet.
He didn't make it.
Deb, you can't take these things so personally.
You work with animals, you work with dead animals.
I don't know whose dogs they were.
Bastards.
Come here, Puss.
Hey.
Come here.
- I'm getting carried away, aren't I? - No.
I think it's really great the way you care about things.
Thanks for helping me out.
Good night.
Right.
- See you tomorrow.
- See you.
(Phone rings) (Phone continues ringing) Hello? PHONE: You've got to sell it sometime.
- Who's this? - Owen here.
Owen? Do you know what time it is? OWEN: My goats are not the problem.
That's ridiculous.
They're destroying the vegetation.
OWEN: You and your committee are the problem.
- No.
- You are the problem.
- Well, I'm sorry you feel that way.
- You WILL bloody well sell.
I beg your pardon? (Dial tone) (Groans) (Sighs) (Rooster crows) Deb.
What's happened to us? (Starts engine and revs) Sweetheart, I can take you.
I have to be in early.
Oh, no, it's cool.
If we're gonna do this, we're gonna do it properly.
- What are we doing? - (Sighs) We're going green.
Not just talking about it any more.
You on a health kick? I was going to beat the bus into town.
But you didn't.
Puncture.
Come on.
- I'll give you a lift.
- Thanks.
- Can I ask you a question for school? - Yup.
How much does converting Mum's car to gas save on carbon emissions? I'm no rocket scientist.
When do you have to know? Just text me.
I'll call you.
Isn't it about time you thought about getting a driver's licence? No way! We're supposed to be cutting back on pollution, not adding to it.
How do you plan on getting around? Or are you planning on winning the Tour de France? - Public transport.
- What, here?! You'd better compromise on that.
OK.
But things can't stay the way they are.
Come on, we're gonna be late for school.
- Morning.
- Morning.
Whoa! Vivien has someone been sitting in my chair? Said Papa Bear to Goldilocks? - Did you turn my computer on? - You probably didn't turn it off.
(Phone rings) Rainbow Echo, Vivien Dixon speaking.
Pretty sure I did.
What?! I sent an email at 10 o'clock last? I wasn't even here at 10 o'clock last night.
To Tim? TIM: We should be looking at more local online advertising.
We're being creamed by the bigger boys and taking a hit from those web guys.
Is part of your job description barging in on other people's files? Is part of your job description to come bursting into meetings? It's OK, Gav.
I was hoping to surprise you.
Well, you have.
When you didn't give me the article, as I asked you to, I retrieved it.
I've got some mates at the Wentworth News, I thought they might be interested, which they were, and I've sold your article and the photos.
You've got your first by-line in a metropolitan newspaper.
But it's it's not finished.
Nothing's ever finished in journalism, Louisa.
You need to learn to put your head on the block.
They're happy.
- And they're paying 500.
- I um - I don't know what to say.
- That's a first.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Don't get too excited.
We've already paid you for the photos, so they belong to the Echo.
We'll invoice you shortly.
Darling, that is fantastic! Your very own by-line! Yup.
And he said I had to learn to put my head on the chopping block.
I'm not sure I want to do that quite yet.
And why should anything go wrong? I don't know.
He's hard to read, Tim, don't you think? He's really helpful one minute, and then kind of shutters down the next.
Yes, I noticed.
He was very good at getting me to talk about me, but not that that's difficult.
But he doesn't give much back.
Probably the mark of a great newspaper man.
Sorry, I had to pick something up from Nick's.
- Nick's? - I can't stay.
Oh, sweetie, you've already done your warm-up, rushing around.
No, I really don't have the time.
One hour of me time isn't going to kill you, darling.
And by the looks of you, it could save a life.
He's gone for two weeks at a time and I cope.
He used to like me being independent.
The older they get, the more juvenile they become.
I think if things aren't going well, it is important to ask yourself why.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I think we should make more time for relationships.
Trev looked so sad at dinner last night.
Women make their own lives because the men aren't there.
Hear-hear, darling, although I think what she's saying is you can't rate a man below a wombat, despite the obvious similarities.
I don't ignore Trev.
- Do I? - It wouldn't hurt to slow down a bit, smell the roses.
Hey! We could look after the animals, if you like.
- If you want some time out.
- No, they need special care.
And the little ones have to be fed every four hours.
We CAN tell the time.
Trev's going up north next week.
It's too late.
We could do it this week.
We could be there Saturday, before lunchtime.
Sweetie, it's three against one.
Give in gracefully.
If you're sure.
Thanks.
So typical, isn't it? We always blame ourselves.
It takes two to wreck a marriage.
Sometimes three.
There are a lot of things I'd do differently now.
Ditto.
Though you'll never hear me admit it.
Can't turn the clock back.
Urgh! Marg! Are you OK? Why do we carry so much crap? Ah.
The divorce comes through next week, finally.
Oh, Marg, I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you say? Why make a big song and dance about it? I just want it over.
And then I'll throw a big party.
Oh, God.
Come on.
Good night, Isabelle.
Have a good one.
(Sighs) I'm having a sauna, Pat.
Come and join me.
Maybe not tonight, Gemm.
We have to make a decision about our land near the old oriental mine cos Owen's letting his goats overrun it again.
He wants it cleaned up.
Pronto.
That's a huge ask, considering our finances.
It needs slashing, fences, access tracks.
So how much is in the kitty? Enough to pay the rates, and maybe a slasher.
Er Well, then we'll have to call in a few favours.
- We've run out of favours, Minna.
- It is a millstone around our neck.
- Selling could turn it into an asset.
- Selling?! - We may not have a choice.
- No! If we moved a motion to get the land valued, we could come to a decision at our next general meeting.
- It would buy us some time.
- What's this? Vivien the pragmatist? - I'll move it.
- I'll second it.
We have to, Minna.
All right, then.
We'll put it to the vote.
All those in favour? Motion carried.
- Goodbye.
Thank you for coming.
- Bye, Minna.
- Bye, Clem.
- Bye.
Would you er would you feel like staying for dinner, Vivien? Thank you, Minna, no.
I've far too much on my plate.
And none of it's edible.
I've l've been thinking.
It's time I took a step back from all of this.
I'm no spring chicken, none of us are.
You speak for yourself! I'd like to resign from my position of responsibility on the committee.
It's time I gave someone else a turn.
Well, who could that be? - If it's because I snapped at you - You have no idea how busy we are.
The paper's expanding, I'm becoming quite indispensable.
Are you sure? - Well, you'll be sadly missed.
- Will I? Well, you've been a big help over the years.
I know.
I'll miss you, too.
But, to be honest, I can't do both any more.
All right.
Er I won't hold you up.
Vivien.
Thank you.
- Hi! - Hello, sweetie! What are we gonna do with you? Are you sure you've got time for all this? That's a bit amorous of Trev, isn't it? I wouldn't call wombats amorous! They can go feral when they're getting ready to be released, and I'm the nearest thing to bite.
Deborah, today we do not mention the wombat word.
Come with me.
Cinderella's going to the ball.
That is gorgeous! I can't wear that.
We didn't bring it for Trev to wear! Now, we've booked the restaurant, and the hotel has a late check-out, so don't you dare come back until tomorrow afternoon.
How can I ever thank you? By not taking your hands out of this for 20 minutes.
- They're disgusting.
Come on.
- Not bad.
Don't you two have work to do? Oh.
Sorry.
Emergency numbers if you need them.
You've got my mobile.
This one's the vet.
And I made a list of who needs what.
Dirk's off-colour, so he needs to be fed after everyone else.
It's complicated.
We're perfectly capable of handling complications.
You, for one.
Turn around.
Oh, my Oh, you look beautiful! - Don't lie to me.
- You do! I haven't been on a date since before I was married.
Just go with the flow.
When the second half of the equation arrives.
Sorry.
Sorry.
You're a sight for sore eyes! I see romance written large across the night.
Come on! You gonna leave a lady waiting? No! - Ah! - Ooh! We used to keep the minutes in exercise books, now everything has to be in triplicate, as a legal record.
- I thought Vivien kept minutes.
- Yes, she did.
(Sighs) Hm.
I was wondering if you could help me with my homework later on.
Mm.
(Phone rings) We'll leave that, Holly.
I'm all phoned out today.
We have to compare life today to life in the '50s ANSWER MACHINE: It's Owen.
in terms of climate change.
Well, I've always lived in the '50s.
OWEN: I made you a good offer! The land's not worth anything! You're just being pigheaded.
My er (Hangs up) My ecological footprint is from here to the veggie garden.
That's food miles.
Or yards, in your case.
- Who was that? - Oh, no-one important.
If you ask me, the simple solution is to do without.
Can we make one tiny detour? It's not what you think.
Have a wonderful time! Young love, even at our age.
Right.
So where did you put those lists? - The lists.
- (Gasps) Do you remember the first time we came up here? You put a sofa on the back of your dad's ute.
Did I? Yeah.
We had a lot of fun, didn't we? Do you think we can again? Or has it gone? I don't know.
Everything's so busy.
I'm always so tired.
(Sighs) (Sighs deeply) No-one's ever kissed me before you.
And I've never wanted to be kissed by anyone since.
You do know that, don't you? I just want the old Deb back, that's all.
We'd better get going if you want some tea.
- Do you think they'll be all right? - Of course.
Gemma! Aah! Argh! - Gemma! Help! - Just a minute! Gemma! Help! No, no, no! Decree nisi.
It makes it sound like it was all for nothing.
No, it wasn't.
Sometimes things just come to an end.
Yeah, well, I thought I was ready to let go.
You are.
You'll be all right, Margy.
You will.
Argh! - Where's a man when you need one? - We don't need a man.
Come on.
We can't be good at everything, otherwise they'll come to expect it.
Good.
Can we stop now? (Chuckles) Oh! (Bleating and squawking) What are you doing back? Oh, we found him on the road.
We couldn't leave him.
Come on, little one.
Thanks.
See you out there.
He was starving.
Another cold night, he would have died.
I'm sorry about the pashmina.
Don't tell Marg.
(Laughs) You know, we can't even go on a date without finding a stray.
Aah, lucky stray.
You know, this is all I've ever wanted to do.
It's what I'm good at.
I don't want to do it without Trev.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Oh, thanks.
Fingers are freezing.
- How's he doing? - He'll survive.
I've called him Gaa-aarth.
Hi, Gaa-aarth.
"To Mr and Mrs Will Franklin on your wedding day, from the community of Rainbow's End.
" (Phone rings) I didn't know I still had that.
I had such a strong sense of community in those days.
Did you go to the Melbourne Olympics? Hello? PHONE: Are you ready to sell yet? Owen, we've had this conversation before.
It was a committee decision.
I'm not gonna do that.
OWEN: I need that land, Minna! You don't have to call me ten times a day to remind me.
- I'll sue you, you old bat! - That is harassment, Owen! Please get off my phone! (Sighs) If that guy's being a pest, you should tell someone.
Oh, he's just got a bone to pick.
He'll calm down.
They always do.
He shouldn't treat you like that.
If he calls again, you have to tell me.
Promise? All right.
It will be all right.
Mum! Holly! Are you still up? - In here! - Holly, nobody needs to know.
(Knock at door) Hey, Mum.
Could you look at this piece I did on carbon footprints for the Echo? Yeah, I'd love to.
- Hey, Holl, did you see Nick today? - Yeah.
- How was he? - I don't know.
Ask him yourself.
Oh, my God! - Something's growing in this, Holl.
- Mum.
What is this? It's like a science experiment! Are you and Nick going out on another hot date? - You know it's OK with me if you do.
- Really? Awfully glad I have your permission.
I um I think Nick and I are you know, we're just good mates.
- Oh, Holl.
- Mm? Was Mum all right tonight? She just seemed a bit more grouchy than usual.
Actually, um she didn't want me to tell you, but I think I should.
I am not mistreating my animals! The mother was dead! She was undernourished, without a hope of feeding the little one! - If you don't have enough feed - I feed the goats! Yeah? On whose property? I might have known you were involved in this.
I called the RSPCA, Mr Diston.
Your fight is with me.
I told you to mind your own business.
Mind your own bloody business! - Not if you mistreat your animals! - Mr Diston? - Oh, bloody hell! What now? - I will say this once and once only.
If you ever, ever threaten my mother, harass my mother, or in any way upset my mother again, I will use everything in my power to bring you before a court of law.
Do you get that? Do not harass my mother, of you'll have me to deal with.
I don't have to listen to all this shit! I'm sorry, Minna.
I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
I can't do this any more.
Mum.
Come on.
- Why didn't you tell me about him? - I can look after my own affairs.
- He obviously wasn't listening to you.
- For heaven's sake, I'm not useless! Oh, Mum.
- I don't know why people are making such a fuss.
All right.
OK, well um at least let me help you tidy up.
(Gasps) Is that our wedding? I forgot we made it into the paper! Look.
And Shannon.
Look at Holl.
Oh, my heavens! - Your 60th.
- Oh! Oh, that's that's Dad's funeral.
Oh, that's when we mounted the campaign for the spraying of 245T.
Had to move fast on that one.
Oh! (Sighs) It's kind of It's like our lives have been put into some kind of time capsule, isn't it? I'm glad you came.
Oh! (School bell rings) Thank you, Sandy.
I don't think we'll be long.
Sandy, do you think I should quit? You know, from my position of responsibility.
Don't talk nonsense, Minna.
What would you do? Oh, well, you were saying something about quality time.
You should at least hold off your decision till we hear what Holly and her friends have got planned for our land.
If you'd like to come this way, I'll give you a little tour.
We've got of course, "Cows Create Careers".
All chaos if we can't keep them in the conditions they've become accustomed to.
Our Ag-Hort Department will of course take over the fieldwork and Your what? - Agriculture and Horticulture.
- Oh.
Our school has a policy of participating in projects that students initiate.
Now, if you come this way What did she say? - They don't have the land.
We do.
- Oh.
Land Care will provide seedlings and fencing materials for the gardens.
Our school and the community will give us the manpower.
So, by the time you add it all up We save $2,340, Miss.
If we want real change, we can't wait for someone to do it for us.
We have to do it ourselves.
So if we all work together, we can turn the heritage land into a community garden.
What do you all think? They're very young.
They'll need our help, obviously.
A committee of management to oversee it.
Steady hand on the keel.
Good! We'll take that as a yes! They've left out the middle three paragraphs.
This doesn't make any sense.
(Gasps) Plastic bags instead of socks? That wasn't supposed to stay in.
I suppose they edit things to fit their own pages, the way we do.
Then they shouldn't have bought it.
It's full of mistakes! Yes, they've even spelt your name wrong.
You can't expect people in the city to understand what's going on here.
Why not, Vivien? Isn't that what we're all about? Communication? - How many beers is that, Marty? - Only two.
- How's your week? - Yeah.
- Ted? - Well, yeah.
Except my old fella's given up the ghost.
- What, your father? - No, no, he died years ago.
No, I can't, you know, take the ferret out for a run.
Nothing works.
It's worse than trying to sink a putt with a handful of jelly.
- That's hard.
- I wish! I don't know what's the matter with me.
This has never happened before.
- What, never? - Does it happen to you? Nah, never.
Nah.
- You seeing someone? - Yeah, of course.
It's all in working order.
Not fair on Gemma, she doesn't deserve this.
Oh, come on, Pat.
It doesn't always work on demand.
I couldn't do it for maybe six months after Jamie died.
- Mate, if there's stuff going on - Mm.
What about you, Marty? Jeez, Pat, I thought we were just here sinking a few stubbies, mate.
That's done and dusted.
I don't think they expected to see the divorcing couple arrive and leave together.
Especially not us.
No.
It has been pretty tumultuous.
I don't blame you, you know.
Oh, good, cos I don't.
Are you gonna stay on here, on your own? I don't really know what I'm gonna do.
You feel like a game of golf on Sunday? - My handicap's improved.
- I doubt that.
Come on, it'd be good.
Yeah, it would be.
It's one of the things that I miss.
Beating the pants off you every Sunday.
(Chuckles) Foot on the brake.
Right.
Here we go.
Handbrake off.
Now foot slowly off the brake.
Slowly.
And try not to hit anything.
That's it.
That's it.
A little bit more.
That's it.
You're going.
That's it.
A little bit more.
That's it.
That wasn't bad for your first go.
You're on again tomorrow.
- How's your mum going? - Why don't you ask her yourself? Are you gonna help me nuke this place, or what? - Anything else you want for free? - Whatever I can get.
Babe, there's nothing here.
It's just trees and shrubs, OK? Hi.
- Oh, hey.
- Hey, Holly.
Mum wants to plant a Chinese herb garden.
And we're all helping.
I don't think anyone else is gonna be arriving, so I think we should make a start.
Now this place may not look like much at the moment, but we could turn it into something to be proud of.
Our own Garden of Eden.
Well, come on, then.
I found Minna's septic tank using one of these.
They've called me the divine shit ever since.
Bad things happened here.
Can't you feel it? - No, babe, I can't.
- Watch out! Snake! - It's just a shadow! - Yeah.
Er Are you still thinking of resigning? No.
LOUISA: What is it that makes a community function? The glue is a combination of idealism, experience, energy of youth.
It is a potent cocktail of present and past that somehow combines to make a better future.
Which is something we all want surely.
I've um done the next community profile if you want to look at it.
- Ah.
Ta.
- It's all about your girlfriend.
I need to have a clearer definition of what I do.
Oh, I thought you would have worked that out by now.
The Echo is an echo of the voices in our community.
It's not just a sales catalogue.
But if you disagree, you probably have the wrong editor and you'll have to get yourself a new one.
But you'd be making a big mistake.
(Chuckles) I'm gonna join WRAP - Wildlife Rescue and Protection.
- Did I tell you? - Another committee? It's a network of carers.
If I get overloaded, they'll look after what I can't.
- Oh.
Right.
- No, really.
And we're gonna take one Sunday off a fortnight, starting next week.
- Where do you want to go first? - Can it be the Sunday after? I've got a job in Darwin.
I won't be back till Thursday week.
Oh, I see! So it isn't just me! Come on, you have to nominate.
Where do you want to go? I'm happy right where I am.
(Bleats) (Laughs) Hey, Nick! Could you come and give us a hand? - Don't give yourselves a hernia.
- Thanks.
Ready, up.
There you go.
- Louisa! - Hi.
Thought I'd come and see my girlfriend.
- You OK, Sandy? - Just old age rearing its ugly head.
We used to call this The Great Wall Of China.
Check this out.
What is it? Well, the Chinese miners used to bury ceramic jars they kept food in.
Like mini cellars.
Oh.
Wouldn't it be amazing if there was still food left inside? There is something inside.
- A dragon.
- There's something else.
- It's somebody's hair.
- Oh! - What? - Chinese pigtail.
So, Tim, what's your story? It's only photo I have of Ah Chin.
The pigtail we find could belong to him.
- I got a raise.
I'm on $13 an hour.
- You earn more than I do?! I'm not the one with my gear stick stuck in neutral.
It's Pat O'Reilly.
- What? - It's Pat.
But that's a secret.
I must find out how Ah Chin died.
I will do anything.
Oh, no! A blackout! This is Sean Smithwick.
Sean, Tim Price.
What the hell is he doing here? This is the lowest you've ever sunk! You'd do anything to get rid of Sean.
Thanks a lot for your help, mate.
- I'll play.
- What, you're gonna play? How hard can it be? You hit the ball with the stick thingy.
Just relax.
Line up there.
And take no notice of them, all right? I lay down in a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails It's the oldest of tales Lose the wind from your sails I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails I lay down on a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails I lay down on a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails.
It's just routine.
"Undertaker Drives Drunk On Job"? How could you do this to Sean? Why won't you listen to me? It was Tim! You would exploit a young kid's misery just to make a few bucks? Can we get real here? This is a newspaper! A story like this is manna from heaven! Not in Rainbow's End, Tim! This is not the way we do things around here.
Would you like to come back to mine for coffee? I don't think that's a good idea.
I know how tough it is ending a marriage.
Let's go! (All chant) Clean soil! Clean water! Clean air! Clean up! Move in.
- Get off me! Don't touch me! - Leave her alone! - Let go of her! - Let go of me! I don't think now is the right time for you to take on such a big cause.
How much time do you think this planet's got left? I want to do more than what I'm doing and I don't know how.
Years back, the Heritage Committee bought this land for a pittance.
They say gold was discovered in the creek after one of the locals swam in it.
When he got out, he was covered in so much gold dust, he lit up like a Christmas tree.
There's a gold mine round here, and there was an old rock wall built by the Chinese, and they worked on the tailings.
You still find bits of pottery and old coins, if you look.
Now, look look around.
Don't be shy.
So, when did you say your ancestors arrived here, Tsung Chi? Oh, um 1868 is last letter our great-great grandparent received from Ah Chin.
They never hear from him after that.
Many Chinese come to Victoria gold rush.
More than 50,000.
Maybe he walked through here just like we have, babe.
We re-trace his step.
Find clue, like detectives.
Rainbow's End, CSI.
Sandy, something's been eating these.
Is this channel made of rock? It's a water race.
They were dug by hand.
Your countrymen were a pretty industrious lot.
What's wrong? Nothing.
The Chinese men have troubled life when they were here.
Well, we didn't greet them with open arms.
I'd be surprised if there aren't a few ghosts around.
Ghosts? Goats more like! An entire herd! That bloody Alan's let his goats in here again! (Bleating) I lay down in the a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails It's the oldest of tales Lose the wind from your sails I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails.
"Deb Mathieson works with native OUR native animals" I've been looking at Caring Caroline, Vivien, and I think we should expand her to two columns.
- Do you think so, Tim? - She's becoming very popular.
So everyone's saying.
Not that they know it's me.
- This issue? - If you can manage it.
I'll get onto it immediately.
We're expanding Caring Caroline.
Yes, which was my idea.
Vivien.
- I like your shoes.
Are they new? - What? - New? - Yes.
Yes, the old ones wore out and I er I thought a new pair was appropriate.
- They look good, Vivien.
- Thank you.
Could you proofread this? I'm hoping a free advertorial on the Smithwicks will make up for the paper's faux pas.
The paper's faux pas?! We had nothing to do with what you did to Sean.
Oh, my God! I've gotta go.
I've got a story to write.
- Cappuccino? - No, thank you.
(Rhythmic hooting) Yeah, I've been taking him out every evening for the last few weeks.
There's a creek down there and an unused burrow.
Hopefully, he'll move into that.
Come on, Walter.
Out you go.
There you go.
Here.
I'll check on him in the next couple of days.
It must be such a wonderful feeling, putting them back in the wild where they came from.
Yeah, it is.
His mum was knocked by a car.
He was still inside her pouch.
Seen enough? I've got to organise a school booking for Monday, got to feed the little ones, and then Trev and I are going out for dinner.
It's our anniversary.
Oh! Why didn't you say? - Happy anniversary.
- Thanks.
26 years.
Can't believe it.
- Wow! This has all changed.
- We've done heaps of work on it.
It's good.
Lots of different pens for the different animals.
The public doesn't come in here.
Injured animals are stressed enough as it is.
Hello.
- You've inherited him? - (Squawks) Don't you sweet-talk us, mister.
Caw's an itinerant.
He won't stay long.
Oh, my heavens! This is an incredible amount of work! Well, we're managing.
No use sitting on the pity pot.
You either shit in it or get off.
You can quote me.
- Have a shit.
- He does! You're really going into this in depth, aren't you? Well, you know, if the subject matter warrants it.
I think I've finally found what I'm good at.
Just like you have.
(Phone rings) Oh, sorry.
It's OK.
(Gasps) Aah! Sorry, I've got to go! - I'll call you! - OK.
and advertorial 3 on page 20.
Ah, good, Louisa, now you're here, I want to talk about syndication.
- Nice of you to join us.
- You said the meeting was at five.
No, I said I had to leave at five.
It's an extra income stream, and I'm encouraging you all to on-sell your articles.
The Echo gets 10% and you the rest.
It's what most newspapers do now.
- Tim said circulation has increased markedly.
- Yeah, thanks to all your hard work.
I've organised five advertorials for the middle section.
- They just need to be proofread.
- What, "Cars, cars, cars"? Hey, we were holding page 20 for the community profile.
Deb doesn't usually advertise with us, does she? Only because she can't afford to.
And we can't afford to put her in ahead of paid copy.
- Can we hold her over to next week? - Yeah, I suppose.
- Good, then we'll use it next week.
- Fine.
Or the week after.
Louisa, make sure you give me a copy of that article.
- We can talk about it later.
Marty.
- Yup.
Hey, have you done the report on the end-of-school carnival? - Yeah.
Keep your shirt on! - It's late, it's not typed, and my God, you've spilt something on it! (Sniffs) Beer.
Waste of a good drop.
(Groans) And you're a drop-kick! Can you type this, please? Well, I would have, but I thought you were in a hurry.
(Sighs) But those goats are feral! They've ring-barked every tree on the property! - At least they keep the place clear.
- Yeah, they kill everything! Better than a fire trap! I'm not living next to a weed-infested jungle! Couldn't we try to find some common ground? I know what you're up to! Adverse possession.
- Well, it won't work! - Adverse possession? - I offered to buy the bloody place! - So you can turn it into a feed lot! - The Heritage Committee owns that land.
- The Heritage Committee! Ooh! The Heritage Committee are a bunch of environmental Nazis! Just one minute! Look, I'm sick and tired of being told what to do by geriatrics.
I'll have a word with him when he's calmed down.
Oh, don't bother, Sandy.
He won't listen.
Get your goats off that land, Owen! Well, get that bloody land cleared up! We've got to do something about the committee's image.
He was just trying to upset you.
Environmental Nazis? I mean, do people really see me like that? Don't take any notice of him.
But perhaps you should pull back just a bit.
Have some quality time.
That's what they say nowadays, isn't it? Now where did I park Myrtle? Oh, Sandy! She's up on the road! Oh! What a lovely day it is for a stroll.
"With some people it's not about monetary gain.
Is it a search for self-expression? A need to help? What makes them give so much of themselves?" It seems that the Roos might just keep on this winning steak, Marty.
The point is, I need an assistant coach.
Well l'd love to cut up oranges for you, Marty, at half-time, but I think I'll give it a miss.
Think about it, mate.
The Roos are on the up and up.
Listen, Marty, I think you should type these.
- Me? - Yeah.
It's your job.
OK.
Oh, she's hot! I think I'm going to write to her myself.
She gives really good advice.
You don't want whole town know your business.
Oh, no, no, no.
Caring Caroline ensures anonymity.
You know who is she? Busybody is who she is.
Not good to involve other people's lives.
Mum, she's obviously really lived.
- Do you think so? - Definitely.
- Louisa, I've got your order.
- Thanks, Lily.
Trev, where's Deb? Where do you reckon? I'm the animal widower as usual.
I guess you could say I'm not on her list of priorities.
- She was really looking forward to this.
- So was I.
Um Well, I'm sure she'll be here any minute.
Give her a call.
There's bound to be a good reason.
I know.
I've heard them all.
At the end of the day, she sleeps with her head in my lap.
Her whiskers quiver, I stroke her ears, and sit very still so she won't wake up.
- She's my friend and I tell her" - I love you, My Dog Mab.
- Maybe we should get you to bed, eh, pumpkin? - No.
Yes! And maybe we could have an early night ourselves? I'll do it.
It takes a while to get her settled.
I meant I'm so tired.
Me, too.
I'm exhausted.
(Music blares) Sweetheart? I'm home! Hi, Sean.
Have you guys eaten? I don't think we're meant to eat anything yet.
- Hi, Mum.
- I er I got takeaway.
- What is this?! - Homework.
I'm doing a school project on carbon footprints.
So far this week, you guys have spent 250 bucks on food.
- That much? - Some families spend only $1.
50 - and there's seven of them.
- What, for a week? No, that can't We have to add up all the energy we use.
Like re-heating that takeaway costs energy.
These tomatoes, they come from Italy.
That uses energy, too.
By adding up the total of what you use, you get your carbon footprint.
And you haven't got the TV, washing machine or hairdryer yet.
According to this, you need six times the world's resources to sustain your lifestyle, and you guys are an average family.
- No, that can't be right.
- How are we gonna cut back? Go on a diet.
- Mum! - Oh, I'm kidding.
You could put that in the newspaper.
We could start an awareness campaign.
Holl, that's a really good idea.
Yeah, you could write it up as a double-page spread.
- You're the editor, aren't you? - Yes, allegedly.
Mum, that's what the newspapers are for, isn't it? You can't keep going like this.
All right, I'll see what I can do.
- Good.
- Florence Nightingale.
(Sighs) (Door opens and slams) Here.
You may as well have these.
Happy anniversary.
- I'm sorry I didn't get there.
- Yeah? So am I.
I left a message.
(Sniffs) Walter got mauled by dogs.
I just got back from the vet.
He didn't make it.
Deb, you can't take these things so personally.
You work with animals, you work with dead animals.
I don't know whose dogs they were.
Bastards.
Come here, Puss.
Hey.
Come here.
- I'm getting carried away, aren't I? - No.
I think it's really great the way you care about things.
Thanks for helping me out.
Good night.
Right.
- See you tomorrow.
- See you.
(Phone rings) (Phone continues ringing) Hello? PHONE: You've got to sell it sometime.
- Who's this? - Owen here.
Owen? Do you know what time it is? OWEN: My goats are not the problem.
That's ridiculous.
They're destroying the vegetation.
OWEN: You and your committee are the problem.
- No.
- You are the problem.
- Well, I'm sorry you feel that way.
- You WILL bloody well sell.
I beg your pardon? (Dial tone) (Groans) (Sighs) (Rooster crows) Deb.
What's happened to us? (Starts engine and revs) Sweetheart, I can take you.
I have to be in early.
Oh, no, it's cool.
If we're gonna do this, we're gonna do it properly.
- What are we doing? - (Sighs) We're going green.
Not just talking about it any more.
You on a health kick? I was going to beat the bus into town.
But you didn't.
Puncture.
Come on.
- I'll give you a lift.
- Thanks.
- Can I ask you a question for school? - Yup.
How much does converting Mum's car to gas save on carbon emissions? I'm no rocket scientist.
When do you have to know? Just text me.
I'll call you.
Isn't it about time you thought about getting a driver's licence? No way! We're supposed to be cutting back on pollution, not adding to it.
How do you plan on getting around? Or are you planning on winning the Tour de France? - Public transport.
- What, here?! You'd better compromise on that.
OK.
But things can't stay the way they are.
Come on, we're gonna be late for school.
- Morning.
- Morning.
Whoa! Vivien has someone been sitting in my chair? Said Papa Bear to Goldilocks? - Did you turn my computer on? - You probably didn't turn it off.
(Phone rings) Rainbow Echo, Vivien Dixon speaking.
Pretty sure I did.
What?! I sent an email at 10 o'clock last? I wasn't even here at 10 o'clock last night.
To Tim? TIM: We should be looking at more local online advertising.
We're being creamed by the bigger boys and taking a hit from those web guys.
Is part of your job description barging in on other people's files? Is part of your job description to come bursting into meetings? It's OK, Gav.
I was hoping to surprise you.
Well, you have.
When you didn't give me the article, as I asked you to, I retrieved it.
I've got some mates at the Wentworth News, I thought they might be interested, which they were, and I've sold your article and the photos.
You've got your first by-line in a metropolitan newspaper.
But it's it's not finished.
Nothing's ever finished in journalism, Louisa.
You need to learn to put your head on the block.
They're happy.
- And they're paying 500.
- I um - I don't know what to say.
- That's a first.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Don't get too excited.
We've already paid you for the photos, so they belong to the Echo.
We'll invoice you shortly.
Darling, that is fantastic! Your very own by-line! Yup.
And he said I had to learn to put my head on the chopping block.
I'm not sure I want to do that quite yet.
And why should anything go wrong? I don't know.
He's hard to read, Tim, don't you think? He's really helpful one minute, and then kind of shutters down the next.
Yes, I noticed.
He was very good at getting me to talk about me, but not that that's difficult.
But he doesn't give much back.
Probably the mark of a great newspaper man.
Sorry, I had to pick something up from Nick's.
- Nick's? - I can't stay.
Oh, sweetie, you've already done your warm-up, rushing around.
No, I really don't have the time.
One hour of me time isn't going to kill you, darling.
And by the looks of you, it could save a life.
He's gone for two weeks at a time and I cope.
He used to like me being independent.
The older they get, the more juvenile they become.
I think if things aren't going well, it is important to ask yourself why.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I think we should make more time for relationships.
Trev looked so sad at dinner last night.
Women make their own lives because the men aren't there.
Hear-hear, darling, although I think what she's saying is you can't rate a man below a wombat, despite the obvious similarities.
I don't ignore Trev.
- Do I? - It wouldn't hurt to slow down a bit, smell the roses.
Hey! We could look after the animals, if you like.
- If you want some time out.
- No, they need special care.
And the little ones have to be fed every four hours.
We CAN tell the time.
Trev's going up north next week.
It's too late.
We could do it this week.
We could be there Saturday, before lunchtime.
Sweetie, it's three against one.
Give in gracefully.
If you're sure.
Thanks.
So typical, isn't it? We always blame ourselves.
It takes two to wreck a marriage.
Sometimes three.
There are a lot of things I'd do differently now.
Ditto.
Though you'll never hear me admit it.
Can't turn the clock back.
Urgh! Marg! Are you OK? Why do we carry so much crap? Ah.
The divorce comes through next week, finally.
Oh, Marg, I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you say? Why make a big song and dance about it? I just want it over.
And then I'll throw a big party.
Oh, God.
Come on.
Good night, Isabelle.
Have a good one.
(Sighs) I'm having a sauna, Pat.
Come and join me.
Maybe not tonight, Gemm.
We have to make a decision about our land near the old oriental mine cos Owen's letting his goats overrun it again.
He wants it cleaned up.
Pronto.
That's a huge ask, considering our finances.
It needs slashing, fences, access tracks.
So how much is in the kitty? Enough to pay the rates, and maybe a slasher.
Er Well, then we'll have to call in a few favours.
- We've run out of favours, Minna.
- It is a millstone around our neck.
- Selling could turn it into an asset.
- Selling?! - We may not have a choice.
- No! If we moved a motion to get the land valued, we could come to a decision at our next general meeting.
- It would buy us some time.
- What's this? Vivien the pragmatist? - I'll move it.
- I'll second it.
We have to, Minna.
All right, then.
We'll put it to the vote.
All those in favour? Motion carried.
- Goodbye.
Thank you for coming.
- Bye, Minna.
- Bye, Clem.
- Bye.
Would you er would you feel like staying for dinner, Vivien? Thank you, Minna, no.
I've far too much on my plate.
And none of it's edible.
I've l've been thinking.
It's time I took a step back from all of this.
I'm no spring chicken, none of us are.
You speak for yourself! I'd like to resign from my position of responsibility on the committee.
It's time I gave someone else a turn.
Well, who could that be? - If it's because I snapped at you - You have no idea how busy we are.
The paper's expanding, I'm becoming quite indispensable.
Are you sure? - Well, you'll be sadly missed.
- Will I? Well, you've been a big help over the years.
I know.
I'll miss you, too.
But, to be honest, I can't do both any more.
All right.
Er I won't hold you up.
Vivien.
Thank you.
- Hi! - Hello, sweetie! What are we gonna do with you? Are you sure you've got time for all this? That's a bit amorous of Trev, isn't it? I wouldn't call wombats amorous! They can go feral when they're getting ready to be released, and I'm the nearest thing to bite.
Deborah, today we do not mention the wombat word.
Come with me.
Cinderella's going to the ball.
That is gorgeous! I can't wear that.
We didn't bring it for Trev to wear! Now, we've booked the restaurant, and the hotel has a late check-out, so don't you dare come back until tomorrow afternoon.
How can I ever thank you? By not taking your hands out of this for 20 minutes.
- They're disgusting.
Come on.
- Not bad.
Don't you two have work to do? Oh.
Sorry.
Emergency numbers if you need them.
You've got my mobile.
This one's the vet.
And I made a list of who needs what.
Dirk's off-colour, so he needs to be fed after everyone else.
It's complicated.
We're perfectly capable of handling complications.
You, for one.
Turn around.
Oh, my Oh, you look beautiful! - Don't lie to me.
- You do! I haven't been on a date since before I was married.
Just go with the flow.
When the second half of the equation arrives.
Sorry.
Sorry.
You're a sight for sore eyes! I see romance written large across the night.
Come on! You gonna leave a lady waiting? No! - Ah! - Ooh! We used to keep the minutes in exercise books, now everything has to be in triplicate, as a legal record.
- I thought Vivien kept minutes.
- Yes, she did.
(Sighs) Hm.
I was wondering if you could help me with my homework later on.
Mm.
(Phone rings) We'll leave that, Holly.
I'm all phoned out today.
We have to compare life today to life in the '50s ANSWER MACHINE: It's Owen.
in terms of climate change.
Well, I've always lived in the '50s.
OWEN: I made you a good offer! The land's not worth anything! You're just being pigheaded.
My er (Hangs up) My ecological footprint is from here to the veggie garden.
That's food miles.
Or yards, in your case.
- Who was that? - Oh, no-one important.
If you ask me, the simple solution is to do without.
Can we make one tiny detour? It's not what you think.
Have a wonderful time! Young love, even at our age.
Right.
So where did you put those lists? - The lists.
- (Gasps) Do you remember the first time we came up here? You put a sofa on the back of your dad's ute.
Did I? Yeah.
We had a lot of fun, didn't we? Do you think we can again? Or has it gone? I don't know.
Everything's so busy.
I'm always so tired.
(Sighs) (Sighs deeply) No-one's ever kissed me before you.
And I've never wanted to be kissed by anyone since.
You do know that, don't you? I just want the old Deb back, that's all.
We'd better get going if you want some tea.
- Do you think they'll be all right? - Of course.
Gemma! Aah! Argh! - Gemma! Help! - Just a minute! Gemma! Help! No, no, no! Decree nisi.
It makes it sound like it was all for nothing.
No, it wasn't.
Sometimes things just come to an end.
Yeah, well, I thought I was ready to let go.
You are.
You'll be all right, Margy.
You will.
Argh! - Where's a man when you need one? - We don't need a man.
Come on.
We can't be good at everything, otherwise they'll come to expect it.
Good.
Can we stop now? (Chuckles) Oh! (Bleating and squawking) What are you doing back? Oh, we found him on the road.
We couldn't leave him.
Come on, little one.
Thanks.
See you out there.
He was starving.
Another cold night, he would have died.
I'm sorry about the pashmina.
Don't tell Marg.
(Laughs) You know, we can't even go on a date without finding a stray.
Aah, lucky stray.
You know, this is all I've ever wanted to do.
It's what I'm good at.
I don't want to do it without Trev.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Oh, thanks.
Fingers are freezing.
- How's he doing? - He'll survive.
I've called him Gaa-aarth.
Hi, Gaa-aarth.
"To Mr and Mrs Will Franklin on your wedding day, from the community of Rainbow's End.
" (Phone rings) I didn't know I still had that.
I had such a strong sense of community in those days.
Did you go to the Melbourne Olympics? Hello? PHONE: Are you ready to sell yet? Owen, we've had this conversation before.
It was a committee decision.
I'm not gonna do that.
OWEN: I need that land, Minna! You don't have to call me ten times a day to remind me.
- I'll sue you, you old bat! - That is harassment, Owen! Please get off my phone! (Sighs) If that guy's being a pest, you should tell someone.
Oh, he's just got a bone to pick.
He'll calm down.
They always do.
He shouldn't treat you like that.
If he calls again, you have to tell me.
Promise? All right.
It will be all right.
Mum! Holly! Are you still up? - In here! - Holly, nobody needs to know.
(Knock at door) Hey, Mum.
Could you look at this piece I did on carbon footprints for the Echo? Yeah, I'd love to.
- Hey, Holl, did you see Nick today? - Yeah.
- How was he? - I don't know.
Ask him yourself.
Oh, my God! - Something's growing in this, Holl.
- Mum.
What is this? It's like a science experiment! Are you and Nick going out on another hot date? - You know it's OK with me if you do.
- Really? Awfully glad I have your permission.
I um I think Nick and I are you know, we're just good mates.
- Oh, Holl.
- Mm? Was Mum all right tonight? She just seemed a bit more grouchy than usual.
Actually, um she didn't want me to tell you, but I think I should.
I am not mistreating my animals! The mother was dead! She was undernourished, without a hope of feeding the little one! - If you don't have enough feed - I feed the goats! Yeah? On whose property? I might have known you were involved in this.
I called the RSPCA, Mr Diston.
Your fight is with me.
I told you to mind your own business.
Mind your own bloody business! - Not if you mistreat your animals! - Mr Diston? - Oh, bloody hell! What now? - I will say this once and once only.
If you ever, ever threaten my mother, harass my mother, or in any way upset my mother again, I will use everything in my power to bring you before a court of law.
Do you get that? Do not harass my mother, of you'll have me to deal with.
I don't have to listen to all this shit! I'm sorry, Minna.
I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
I can't do this any more.
Mum.
Come on.
- Why didn't you tell me about him? - I can look after my own affairs.
- He obviously wasn't listening to you.
- For heaven's sake, I'm not useless! Oh, Mum.
- I don't know why people are making such a fuss.
All right.
OK, well um at least let me help you tidy up.
(Gasps) Is that our wedding? I forgot we made it into the paper! Look.
And Shannon.
Look at Holl.
Oh, my heavens! - Your 60th.
- Oh! Oh, that's that's Dad's funeral.
Oh, that's when we mounted the campaign for the spraying of 245T.
Had to move fast on that one.
Oh! (Sighs) It's kind of It's like our lives have been put into some kind of time capsule, isn't it? I'm glad you came.
Oh! (School bell rings) Thank you, Sandy.
I don't think we'll be long.
Sandy, do you think I should quit? You know, from my position of responsibility.
Don't talk nonsense, Minna.
What would you do? Oh, well, you were saying something about quality time.
You should at least hold off your decision till we hear what Holly and her friends have got planned for our land.
If you'd like to come this way, I'll give you a little tour.
We've got of course, "Cows Create Careers".
All chaos if we can't keep them in the conditions they've become accustomed to.
Our Ag-Hort Department will of course take over the fieldwork and Your what? - Agriculture and Horticulture.
- Oh.
Our school has a policy of participating in projects that students initiate.
Now, if you come this way What did she say? - They don't have the land.
We do.
- Oh.
Land Care will provide seedlings and fencing materials for the gardens.
Our school and the community will give us the manpower.
So, by the time you add it all up We save $2,340, Miss.
If we want real change, we can't wait for someone to do it for us.
We have to do it ourselves.
So if we all work together, we can turn the heritage land into a community garden.
What do you all think? They're very young.
They'll need our help, obviously.
A committee of management to oversee it.
Steady hand on the keel.
Good! We'll take that as a yes! They've left out the middle three paragraphs.
This doesn't make any sense.
(Gasps) Plastic bags instead of socks? That wasn't supposed to stay in.
I suppose they edit things to fit their own pages, the way we do.
Then they shouldn't have bought it.
It's full of mistakes! Yes, they've even spelt your name wrong.
You can't expect people in the city to understand what's going on here.
Why not, Vivien? Isn't that what we're all about? Communication? - How many beers is that, Marty? - Only two.
- How's your week? - Yeah.
- Ted? - Well, yeah.
Except my old fella's given up the ghost.
- What, your father? - No, no, he died years ago.
No, I can't, you know, take the ferret out for a run.
Nothing works.
It's worse than trying to sink a putt with a handful of jelly.
- That's hard.
- I wish! I don't know what's the matter with me.
This has never happened before.
- What, never? - Does it happen to you? Nah, never.
Nah.
- You seeing someone? - Yeah, of course.
It's all in working order.
Not fair on Gemma, she doesn't deserve this.
Oh, come on, Pat.
It doesn't always work on demand.
I couldn't do it for maybe six months after Jamie died.
- Mate, if there's stuff going on - Mm.
What about you, Marty? Jeez, Pat, I thought we were just here sinking a few stubbies, mate.
That's done and dusted.
I don't think they expected to see the divorcing couple arrive and leave together.
Especially not us.
No.
It has been pretty tumultuous.
I don't blame you, you know.
Oh, good, cos I don't.
Are you gonna stay on here, on your own? I don't really know what I'm gonna do.
You feel like a game of golf on Sunday? - My handicap's improved.
- I doubt that.
Come on, it'd be good.
Yeah, it would be.
It's one of the things that I miss.
Beating the pants off you every Sunday.
(Chuckles) Foot on the brake.
Right.
Here we go.
Handbrake off.
Now foot slowly off the brake.
Slowly.
And try not to hit anything.
That's it.
That's it.
A little bit more.
That's it.
You're going.
That's it.
A little bit more.
That's it.
That wasn't bad for your first go.
You're on again tomorrow.
- How's your mum going? - Why don't you ask her yourself? Are you gonna help me nuke this place, or what? - Anything else you want for free? - Whatever I can get.
Babe, there's nothing here.
It's just trees and shrubs, OK? Hi.
- Oh, hey.
- Hey, Holly.
Mum wants to plant a Chinese herb garden.
And we're all helping.
I don't think anyone else is gonna be arriving, so I think we should make a start.
Now this place may not look like much at the moment, but we could turn it into something to be proud of.
Our own Garden of Eden.
Well, come on, then.
I found Minna's septic tank using one of these.
They've called me the divine shit ever since.
Bad things happened here.
Can't you feel it? - No, babe, I can't.
- Watch out! Snake! - It's just a shadow! - Yeah.
Er Are you still thinking of resigning? No.
LOUISA: What is it that makes a community function? The glue is a combination of idealism, experience, energy of youth.
It is a potent cocktail of present and past that somehow combines to make a better future.
Which is something we all want surely.
I've um done the next community profile if you want to look at it.
- Ah.
Ta.
- It's all about your girlfriend.
I need to have a clearer definition of what I do.
Oh, I thought you would have worked that out by now.
The Echo is an echo of the voices in our community.
It's not just a sales catalogue.
But if you disagree, you probably have the wrong editor and you'll have to get yourself a new one.
But you'd be making a big mistake.
(Chuckles) I'm gonna join WRAP - Wildlife Rescue and Protection.
- Did I tell you? - Another committee? It's a network of carers.
If I get overloaded, they'll look after what I can't.
- Oh.
Right.
- No, really.
And we're gonna take one Sunday off a fortnight, starting next week.
- Where do you want to go first? - Can it be the Sunday after? I've got a job in Darwin.
I won't be back till Thursday week.
Oh, I see! So it isn't just me! Come on, you have to nominate.
Where do you want to go? I'm happy right where I am.
(Bleats) (Laughs) Hey, Nick! Could you come and give us a hand? - Don't give yourselves a hernia.
- Thanks.
Ready, up.
There you go.
- Louisa! - Hi.
Thought I'd come and see my girlfriend.
- You OK, Sandy? - Just old age rearing its ugly head.
We used to call this The Great Wall Of China.
Check this out.
What is it? Well, the Chinese miners used to bury ceramic jars they kept food in.
Like mini cellars.
Oh.
Wouldn't it be amazing if there was still food left inside? There is something inside.
- A dragon.
- There's something else.
- It's somebody's hair.
- Oh! - What? - Chinese pigtail.
So, Tim, what's your story? It's only photo I have of Ah Chin.
The pigtail we find could belong to him.
- I got a raise.
I'm on $13 an hour.
- You earn more than I do?! I'm not the one with my gear stick stuck in neutral.
It's Pat O'Reilly.
- What? - It's Pat.
But that's a secret.
I must find out how Ah Chin died.
I will do anything.
Oh, no! A blackout! This is Sean Smithwick.
Sean, Tim Price.
What the hell is he doing here? This is the lowest you've ever sunk! You'd do anything to get rid of Sean.
Thanks a lot for your help, mate.
- I'll play.
- What, you're gonna play? How hard can it be? You hit the ball with the stick thingy.
Just relax.
Line up there.
And take no notice of them, all right? I lay down in a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails It's the oldest of tales Lose the wind from your sails I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails I lay down on a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails I lay down on a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails.