Rodger Corser

When the discovery of asbestos forces the closure of the hospital and a move to a smaller veterinary clinic, Hugh decides it may be time to leave Whyhope. But the arrival of Sharna Bahtt, the new council administrator, changes everything for Hugh and the Knight family.

Charlie organizes a fundraiser after her friend Kassie's funeral, and Penny rejoins the clinic as a locum, with Hugh still very much in charge. Hugh is drawn to Sharna, while Hayley feels a similar pull to Tom.

Meryl is found guilty in court, and Ajax turns to gambling as a distraction from his marital problems, but it's not all bad news: the clinic hits the KPI quotas necessary to secure their funding, despite a sabotage attempt by Penny, who knows that if they are successful, Hugh is likely to leave.

Sacked from the council by Sharna on the grounds of her corruption, Meryl is saved by the arrival of Michael, a lawyer and old flame-but not exactly a white knight.

Hugh puts the farm on the market without telling his family and plans to leave for Sydney, but an investigation into a patient complaint complicates matters. Matt and Charlie receive a visit from child services after Ivy is arrested.

The three Knight men resolve to split the farm into thirds for each of their own businesses, but Meryl breaks the deal. Hugh agrees to induce Harriet's labor so he can start his new job in Sydney the following week, and Matt decides to clear the air with Charlie.

The Knight family mourn Jim's passing, but the reading of the will causes a rift between the brothers as they disagree about how to run the farm. Hugh learns that his probation might end a month early, after one final hearing.

Meryl lashes out at Hugh when she discovers that the farm buyer is Rod, her former mayoral rival. Matt has mixed feelings about his new relationship with April, and Hugh and Ken are abducted by a desperate local in need of medical help.

To Matt's discomfort, Charlie's free-spirited father, Carlito, arrives with his girlfriend's teenage daughter, Ivy. Just before the grand opening of the Knight-Cartwright heart clinic, Hugh receives a mysterious letter from his ex-wife, Harriet, which brings surprising news.

Hugh asks Penny out to dinner, but she ends things when he tests positive for drugs. Hayley participates in the Miss Whyhope competition, but another contestant catches Ajax's eye.