31st Mar 1976

It's 1829, Jason Firbeck, a retired naval Leiutenant, recently widowed arrives with his family - Samuel, his elder son, Luke, his second son and Jassy his daughter - in NSW, where land granted by influential friends, supposedly awaits him.

7th Apr 1976

Jason Firbeck, shocked to discover land assigned to him is occupied by another, tries to sort out the legal aspects of ownership.

14th Apr 1976

Luke has taken control of the family and has occupied land in the wilderness. The family have thus become 'squatters'.

21st Apr 1976

In squatters territory it is law of the strong that prevails and Cormac Doyle, an English-hating Irishman, sets his sights on occupying Luke's kingdom

28th Apr 1976

In New South Wales in the 1830s convicts were granted "Tickets to Leave" to find employment on their own account. However one mistake, the slightest misdemeanor, and the ticket could be withdrawn.

5th May 1976

The Firbecks have been squatters for two years. The building of a timber homestead is finished and an area of land cleared. The arrival of an uninvited guest causes complications for Luke because of an association he builds up with Jassy.

12th May 1976

For Jassy, life as a housekeeper to her squatting family has become unbearable. Jason watches anxiously as with each day she grows more tired, more depressed, and more listless.

19th May 1976

The Governor has set up a committee to inquire into squatting and the possible granting of Tenancy Rights to the squatters.

26th May 1976

It has not rained for four months. Sheep and cattle are dying and settlers are facing ruin. Luke, taking advantage of the dry state of the river bed, is struggling to build an immense dam. However his ambitious plan is plagued by tragedy.

2nd Jun 1976

In common with all squatters, Luke is finding the aboriginals troublesome. His sheep are being speared and anger against the aboriginals is growing.

9th Jun 1976

In Lieutenant Elliot's command is a veteran corporal about to retire from the army

16th Jun 1976

Luke has shot a bushranger, leaving his pregnant lover swearing vengeance upon him.

23rd Jun 1976

Luke's brooding restlessness is apparent to all who know him with, perhaps the exception of his family who are accustomed to ignoring his many moods.