A Country Practice - Setting and Stories

Setting and Stories

The show followed a medical practice in the small fictional New South Wales country town of Wandin Valley. The show's stories focused on the staff of the practice and the hospital and their families, and through weekly guest characters - frequently patients served by the practice - various social and medical problems were explored. The series examined such topical issues as youth unemployment, suicide, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS and terminal illness, as well as Aborigines and their place in modern Australian society. Apart from its regular rotating cast of characters, mainly among the younger personnel, A Country Practice also had a cast of semi-regulars who would make appearances as the storylines permitted.

A Country Practice has also become well known for its number of guest stars appearances, including Baz Luhrmann, Smokey Dawson, John Meillon, Sir Robert Helpmann and even Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke made a cameo appearance in 1986. Nicole Kidman, Toni Collette and Simon Baker also had guest-roles in the series before going on to international fame.

The series is also the third most successful series in the history of the Logie Awards having won 29 times. Brian Wenzel was the first actor to win such an Honour for his role as Sergeant Frank Gilroy. By the end of the series Brian Wenzel and Shane Porteous were the only original cast members.