A massive Snowy Authority hydroelectric project changes the Logans' lives, forever altering the environment where they live.

It is 1951 and the Scheme is still in the planning stages, but the small township of Cooma is beginning to attract new arrivals and sooner or later, they all find their way to Mick's Café; Molly and Jack's daughter Kate returns home from Sydney.

Tensions mount as immigrants arrive to work on the project; teacher Lilian encourages Michael to write.

Rebellious and full of mischief, Wolfie has a big influence over Michael; Jack and Molly are concerned about their son's new-found friendship; their fears are realised when Bernie informs them Wolfie has been charged with assaulting a local girl.

Stuart sabotages the survey; Max faces deportation and needs to figure out a way that he can stay; Michael pursues Lilian.

A friendship develops between Wolfie and Kate; Stuart exacts vengeance, seeking to gain satisfaction.