There is a boisterous bucks party for Des Clarke at No. 28. Shane Ramsay has hired a stripper, Daphne Lawrence, much to the delight of the other blokes. The noise is troubling some of the Ramsay street inhabitants, especially Max Ramsay. It is now 2a.m., and Max is going to put an end to Des Clarkes last day of freedom.

Sparks fly when Max's sister - Madge Mitchell - arrives in Ramsay St. 17-year-old Mike Young gets a job in the coffee shop. Max worries about property values and Paul returns from a three week convalescence whilst Shane accuses Zoe Davis of theft.

Jim tells everyone that the body they found in the river is not Scott. Madge tells Douglas all about how she got her diamonds and that she is still broke. Zoe grills Mike about his home situation, Mike tells her not to worry because he won’t be around much longer.

Daphne receives some shocking news and turns to Des for advice. Shane is jealous when he discovers Daphne favours Des Clarkes opinion over his own. Zoe tries to befriend Paul Robinson but he rebuffs her. Paul is taking refuge from his hurt and confusion by playing the hard-nosed businessman.

Madge's daughter, Charlene, arrives in Ramsay Street and brings the news that her father is now living with his girlfriend, who is pregnant. Madge and Charlene clash over behavior and truth vs. tact. Mike faces his mother, who unhappily tells him he is on his own for financial support.

The Ramsays recover from the news that Henry is in jail. Max hears the full story from Madge, about her deciding Henry was showing no sign of stopping his pilfering, and she decided she would no longer cover for him. His prison sentence was an awful shock. Max sympathizes. Mike and Charlene go job-hunting. He will try almost anything, but Charlene wants to be an apprentice mechanic.