The bond between Rory and Danny deepens. Early plans are made for the boys' future accommodation in Melbourne for when they move there for their tertiary studies. A North Melbourne terrace house is bought by Richard and Max. Danny's parents appreciate what Richard and Max have done. A new musical composition by Rory and Danny is given at the Horsham Music Club. Rory leaves Ivy's place after three years of boarding with her, and he gives Ivy a gift to acknowledge her wonderful hospitality toward him.

Rory and Danny go supermarket shopping. They encounter Deirdre Donahue at the check out. In June, the boys are both at Golton Island for the weekend when an intimate accident happens one night. Max, Richard and Danny's parents are all supportive. Medical tests are done and the end result is good news. A new piece of music is presented at the Horsham Music Club.

Danny comes out to his parents. Rory also comes out to Ivy at the same time. With Rory's recuperation successfully behind him, the two boys concentrate on their studies and music. McPherson and Clark are called upon to handle an infant's funeral. Richard conducts the delicate situation with care. While Rory and Danny are washing a car at Golton Island, Toot the galah says more words. Rory gives his first public performance on the oboe.

Rory regains consciousness. An opportunity is made possible for Danny to visit Rory. A week later Rory is discharged from hospital. Rory is taken to Ivy's place where Danny joins him. The boys share something really important. Rory is taken home to Golton Island. Pepita Price is keen to see Rory and she is included into a picnic group the next weekend. Louise is modest about the hunch that she had. Rory and Danny's relationship is revealed to Max and Richard.

Rory's life is in danger. Will he survive?

An introduction to the saga of The Wimmera Trilogy by Douglas Gellatly.

Rory and Danny wake early after their night in the bush. About midday Max and Richard arrive to take the boys back to Golton Island. The boys discover that Toot the galah can speak a bit. The wooden-handled bottle opener is brought out. Max organizes a funeral for a Wimmera farmer. The ceremony at the graveside is interrupted and Max handles the situation well. Richard, Max and Rory spend New Year's eve at Golton Island. They reflect on the year just gone.

Rory gains access to an oboe and Max tries to play it too. Pepita Price becomes Rory's new oboe teacher. A special funeral is held and later on Richard takes an annoying phone call in his office that fizzes, then produces mirth. In October, Danny and Rory each have birthdays and part of their celebration is camping out together at Beehive Falls in Gariwerd or The Grampians. They explore the area well.

Rory and Danny attend a school social night. To Rory's horror, Deirdre Donahue asks Rory for a dance. Deirdre is unashamedly forward toward Rory but the situation unravells. A teacher comes to the boys' aid. The following day there is a meeting between the teacher and all four parents. Rory's troubled mind is diverted by a simple household task. Max shares a one-on-one chat with Rory by way of supporting him.

Rory gives his first piano recital in public at the Horsham Music Club's monthly meeting. There is talk of an oboe becoming available. Danny mentions that he is learning to play the didjeridoo. Dierdre Donahue becomes a nuisance to Rory. She also joins the school's Big Band. Trent and Stan go to Golton Island for lunch one Saturday. They announce that they are in a relationship. Rory feels comfortable in the company of the four adults. Toot joins the men as they take a walk outside in Golton Island's bush-land.