One year has passed; Whyhope has fallen into catastrophe having been hit with drought, bushfires, and floods, and to make matters worse, the hospital is under lockdown due to an outbreak of asbestos, while patients have been evacuated. Adamant that the hospital will remain closed, Hugh decides to return to Sydney. Charlie and Matt return from Germany when they discover that the Brewery has received negative reviews online. Hayley learns that it was Charlie who wrote the reviews, without Matt's knowledge, so that she could come home. Sharna Bahit arrives in Whyhope when the town is under investigation for corruption, and announces her appointment as Council Administrator, dismissing the entire council.

Hugh and Penny set aside their differences to fight for the rights of a terminally ill young mother. As she faces criminal charges, Meryl ropes in Hayley to hide evidence of her corruption from Sharna.

Hugh and Penny lock horns when she returns to work at the hospital; Sharna's mission to clean up Whyhope causes chaos for Ken, Betty, and Meryl.