All right, be patient. We're nearly done.
You all did well this year.
I'm proud of each of you.
You all deserve a nice Christmas holiday.
Bye.
- Merry Christmas, Mr Grant! - Hey, careful, Lucas.
Bye. Merry Christmas.
For you, Mr Grant.
Merry Christmas!
Have you worked out what I owe you?
It's a hell of a long drive.
You don't want to stay one more night?
Nah, I'll be right.
I'll get your receipt.
Are you the teacher?
Yeah.
Leavin'?
Yep.
Better pay?
No, pay's about the same.
Better kids?
No.
Better place?
Uh, yes, and, uh, what would you do?
Mate, give all them unemployed blokes guns,
bring them out here to shoot the camels,
label the meat 'Persian lamb'
and then sell it to fancy restaurants in Sydney
for 40 bucks a kilo, two problems solved at once...
Looks like Gabby's absolutely...
♪ ...photo off the wall ♪
♪ If it just won't sing for you... ♪
♪ Gone away ♪
♪ And there's nothing there for you to prove ♪
♪ Oh, look what you've done ♪
♪ You've made a fool of everyone... ♪
♪ A fool of everyone ♪
♪ A fool of everyone... ♪
Shit.
Jesus.
Thought about it too much, that's your problem.
He done a job on that.
What's your plan?
Could you take me somewhere?
Where you wanna go?
I'm trying to get to Sydney.
Well...
you could take your chances hitching from the indie truck stop.
Well, how far is it?
It's a bit of a drive.
I'll have to charge you the return fare.
Say... 400 bucks even.
Oof.
Or I could take you to Bundanyabba.
Nice little hotel.
Vic, the mechanic, he might be able to look over your car tomorrow.
And how far is it to Bundanyabba?
10 minutes.
- Where you from? - Leaving Tiboonda.
You the teacher?
Girlfriend?
Sorry?
Phoning your girlfriend?
Fancy bloke like you, all geed up, looking to get to the big smoke.
Figured you must be blue-balling.
Wouldn't bother, though.
Why's that?
The reception's a bit shit since the mine stopped paying for the booster.
Been to the Yabba before?
- No. - You'll be thanking that roo.
Best little town on earth.
Once you've been to the Yabba
you never want to leave.
Won't be a tick.
Hey, your meter's still running.
Look, I thought you were taking me to the hotel,
- not picking up other passengers. - What's your name, giggles?
John Grant.
Well, John Grant, you're a bit pretty.
Thought we'd stitch you up first.
That'll be $35.50.
Oi! My bags!
Did anyone teach you that roos come out at dusk?
Well, someone should tell the roos that schoolteachers drive at dusk.
I just wanted to get home.
Do you like it?
Sydney?
Teaching.
Some days, sure.
Some days it's the slowest form of torture.
For you or your students?
What kind of man are you, John Grant?
What do you mean?
Ah.
- Coward. - Good to know.
Because we're out of anaesthetic unless you count booze.
I'll survive.
Hi.
Can I help you?
Those are my bags.
I need a room.
Do you have a reservation?
No.
How much is a single?
$239.
Jesus!
No offence, but is there anywhere else in town?
You tell me.
...junior to open,
combining horse ability and horsemanship.
There's a full canteen all weekend
with a pig on the spit Saturday night...
So it's one not to be missed,
with high-quality bulls on offer...
- Hi. Can I grab a soda water...? - Beer, thanks, Joycey.
Uh, excuse me, can I grab a soda water, please?
Hi. Can I get a soda water, please?
Sorry, postmix is down. Do you want a beer?
Get him, Con! Come on! Let's go!
How you doing, Luke?
Pretty good, Sarge.
Yeah.
You think it might be time to go home?
Yes, Sarge.
Yeah.
- I hit a kangaroo. - Oh.
- When? - Uh, this evening.
Oh.
I don't recall hearing about a motor vehicle accident.
What, did you kill a native animal and not report it, did you?
No, no. I hit it, but I wasn't the one who...
Yeah, yeah. Relax.
You might want to report it if you want to make a claim.
You know those insurance pricks,
they want everything done by the book.
Hey, um, get us two coldies, would you, Joycey?
Oh, I really just want something to eat and a soft drink.
What, you don't want a drink?
Or you can't drink?
Well... Mm.
You know, just one, maybe...
You better get us two more, thanks, Joycey.
No... No. No.
I really think I ought to eat something.
Hey. Jock Crawford.
John. Grant.
Ah! The teacher.
Yeah? What, you driving to Sydney, were you,
when you, uh... hit that roo?
Yeah. I'm taking up another position in Neutral Bay.
Didn't quite adapt to country living, eh?
Yeah.
I rea... I really should eat something.
Yeah, well, they don't serve dinner here.
Oh.
So, what do you reckon of the Yabba, John Grant?
Yeah, well...
it's classy.
Yeah.
Yeah, we're pretty simple folk here.
Two more, thanks, Joycey.
- Sergeant, I really... - Nah, don't worry about it.
I get mine for free when I'm on the job.
Yeah.
Go on.
Drink up. I've got something interesting to show you.
You know, the Yabba, John...
is the best little town on earth.
Yeah, that's the game in there.
Two-up.
You know, since they pulled the pokies out of here
and with the mine in maintenance mode,
folks have gotta amuse themselves somehow.
Is that legal?
Oh, legal? Christ, I don't know about that.
But if the, um, pokies were, I'm sure that should be.
Blokes have gotta let off steam.
Come on.
Let's go and have a peek while your tea cooks.
Yeah, it goes back to convict times, this.
Know about two-up, do you?
The bloke there with the green hat, he's the spinner.
- Oh, that's his bet? - Yeah.
Those blokes around him, they're the controllers,
they collect just enough to cover the bet.
So, they're just betting on whether the coins come up heads or tails?
Yeah, pretty much.
You know, the spinner has to bet heads
but otherwise, better's choice.
- Here we go. - Come in, spinner!
There it is.
They just made like a thousand bucks.
Yeah.
Easy game, two-up.
Easy to win.
Easy to lose.
Come on. Let's see if your tea's ready.
Come on, mate! Give me money! Where's the money?
I need some more. Give me some more.
Come on, mate...
Um, well, I'd best be pushing along.
Come in, spinner!
Don't do anything silly, now.
I'm not a gambler.
Place your bets. Come on, Place your bets.
Place your bets. Place your bets.
Sausie raffle.
Fresh pork sausies.
$1 a ticket or six for $5.
Sir, for you?
- I'll take six. - Six tickets for you.
Come on out of the ring. Come on out of the ring.
Jump over there, darling.
Hello, handsome.
Sausie raffle?
$1 a ticket or six for $5, which I see you're holding right there.
Uh, no, thanks.
Six chances for a mere fiver.
You look like an educated man. They're very good odds.
I don't have anywhere to cook them.
Nowhere to cook them?
You a bit tight, sweetie?
Don't want to part with your money? Eh?
Sausie raffle!
All right, guys...
The pineapple on tails, mate?
Uh, yeah. Uh... yeah.
Centre is set!
All good on the outside!
Come in, spinner!
And she's... tails!
Excuse me. Excuse...
In the centre we go.
Oh, for fuck's sake!
Mate.
Knew I'd find you.
Place your bets! Place your bets! Come on, guys! Place your bets!
A hundred!
A hund... a hundred on tails!
Wait for my call! Wait for my call!
I'll take your money, son.
Come in, spinner!
And he's tails!
- You want to leave that on the table? - Sure.
Come in, spinner!
And he's tails!
$200 on tails.
And he's tails!
$400!
$1,000 on tails!
420, 440, 460, 480...
$4,100.
Oh...
Oh, John Grant, you're a clever lad.
- Anywhere? - Anywhere.
Marrakech.
Marrakech?
Okay.
Why?
The Menara Gardens, the Bahia Palace, the medina.
Where would you go?
I was gonna say... Coffs.
But...
Marrakech sounds okay.
I'll take you.
We could do Marrakech.
Right.
I forgot how well first-year teachers got paid.
I need another spinner.
You?
Yeah, all right, all right.
What's your bet, mate?
- Uh... - What's your bet?
Uh, yeah, uh...
Come on!
Come on, mate. What's your bet?
$4,100.
Mate!
On tails. On tails!
Spinner always bets heads.
Righto.
- $4,100. - Uh...
Uh...
Hey. Wait, wait. Wait.
- Excuse me... - Hey! A bet's a bet.
Centre is set.
Centre's set.
We're good on the outside.
Here we go.
Come in, spinner!
And he's the winner!
No throw! No spin.
Get the kip above your head.
Above your head.
- Come on, mate. Above your head. - Above... above your head.
- Above your head. - All right, all right. Okay.
Get on with it!
Come on, mate. Let's go. Let's go.
Let's go again. Look alive.
We're good on the outside.
We're good in the centre.
Come in, spinner!
Do you want to have another bet, mate?
- Mate? Another bet? - Um...
Come on, mate. Another spin?
On you go, then.
Who's gonna come in the ring? Who's our next spinner?
Off! Off! Off! Off! Off! Off! Off! Off!
$1,000.
- $1,000 on what, pal? - Tails.
Yeah, righto.
Centre, set!
Come in, spinner!
And he has... heads!
You done, are ya?
You done?
I've reached my daily limit.
Oh... What a pain.
Oh, hey, I could spot you a bit.
Nah. I couldn't.
Say, $500?
Would you?
You look honest enough.
$500 on heads! $500 on heads!
- I'll take that. - Sweet, mate. You're on tails.
And he has heads!
Shit.
Has anyone seen...?
Hey, my wallet.
- Has anyone seen...? - Piss off!
Has anyone seen my wallet? I...
I... had my wallet. Have you... Have you seen my wallet?
- Where did you leave it? - Fuck!
Go home, you dickhead!
Oh... Oh, God.
Grant, isn't it?
John Grant?
I'll be needing that $500 back, John Grant.
Uh... Yeah. I'll... get it for you in the morning.
Okay.
But there'll be interest on it in the morning.
It'll be $1,000 tomorrow.
What?
Well, it doubles.
Like two-up.
Tomorrow, $500 becomes $1,000,
the day after, $1,000 becomes $2,000, and so on.
Understand?
Yeah.
Yep.
How will I find you?
Mr John Grant?!
Checkout time was 10 o'clock.
Can I have a late checkout?
You need to arrange late checkout the night before.
Jesus. What...?
Can I have a shower?
Five minutes.
Has anyone seen my wallet?!
Wednesday?
Well, that's what my credit union said.
They're sending replacement cards, and it'll take a few days
because we're in the middle of...
nowhere.
But, uh... they said I can get emergency cash
from the post office on Monday.
That's just, like...
two days?
Then you can come back in, "like, two days",
pay your minibar bill
and rent a room off me then.
Oh... come on.
Isn't this the Yabba?
Isn't this the best little town on earth?
Hi.
That's my car.
Uh...
Yeah, listen, um, I'm not sure if I want it fixed
or whether I'll, you know, sell it for scrap.
It depends, yeah?
Um...
Is there a bus that goes to Sydney?
Sydney bus left 7:00 this morning.
Right.
- When's the next one? - 7:00 next Saturday morning.
Shit.
How much will it cost to fix the car?
I know.
That's when roos come out.
Vic will work out a price.
Hi. Could I got a glass of water, please?
Water's off, love.
If you want to stay, you have to order.
Okay. Um... a Coke?
Nah, soft drinks are warm, fridge is down.
Well, do you have a ice?
Ice?
Sure.
Maybe a slice of lemon, a little straw and an umbrella?
Ridiculous.
Just a middy of local, thanks.
Okay.
Good to know.
Because we're out of anaesthetic unless you count booze.
Big night, John?
Oh.
No. Why?
Oh, you better get us a couple more of these, Joycey.
Oh, I... I can't afford to buy you a drink, Sergeant.
Well, I'm buying you a drink, John.
All you've gotta do is say thank you.
Oh.
Thank you.
Yeah. So, why can't you afford to drink?
You had plenty of dosh last night.
Oh, I, uh...
I think my wallet might have been stolen last night.
Stolen?
- From the hotel? - No.
Uh, from the RSL that you... that you took me to.
Well, that sounds very serious indeed.
Are you intending on reporting this crime?
Is there any point reporting it?
- G'day. - G'day, Joe. How are you?
G'day, Joe. Mickey.
Sarge. Sandy.
You want a coldie?
Why not?
Hey, Joycey, would you get us another couple, would you, love?
This is John Grant.
He's a schoolteacher from Tiboonda.
Yeah, well, uh, John Grant reckons he got his wallet stolen
at the RSL last night.
No!
Not in the Yabba.
No, not in the Yabba.
The cleaner found this at the RSL.
Behind the pot plant next to the ATM.
Yeah.
Yeah, things operate a bit different here, John.
Folks do drink a little.
End of the week, end of the year. Why not?
Bloody hot, you can't change that.
And if a bloke does drink
he needs to be able to handle himself, you know?
Not start throwing accusations around.
While I can turn a blind eye to the odd small indiscretion...
when someone starts taking advantage of our good nature...
I won't look away.
I'm s... I'm sorry, Jock.
Oh, no cash.
Was it stolen?
You can get this bloke another hair of the dog if he needs it, Joycey.
Joe.
Hey, Mickey. Take care of the shoulder, eh?
This is him?
This is him.
- $1,000, right? - Oh!
See, Joe? Told you a teacher would have to have a good memory.
Mm.
Is there an ATM here?
That way.
- G'day, Joe. - G'day, mate. How are you?
Fuck!
Yeah, right.
Listen...
Not nice, teacher.
My Mick lent you money and now you're running away?
No.
Joe!
Let him go.
He was running.
- He was running away! - It's okay.
You found him.
We let him go and we see what he has to say.
Okay?
The bank's cancelled my cards.
Look around you.
Where did you think you were gonna go?
Teacher needs a lesson.
Oh, hello, Jaffries.
Big day?
Not looking for us, are you, Tim?
Nah.
No, no, no.
Nothing to worry about.
We're, uh, just having a sneaky cig with our new friend.
Those things will kill you.
- Tim Hynes. - Yeah. John. Grant.
John Grant?
John was the teacher at Tiboonda.
Oh, yes, the teacher.
You do know that roos come out at dusk?
Well, what are we baking out here for? Coming in for a coldie?
Am I interrupting something? I mean, I can leave you all to it.
- No. - No.
- Nuh. - We've had our chat.
Joe and I need to go, things to do.
Tomorrow it's two grand.
So, it's just you and me, Mr Chips.
- Oh, I... - Joycey.
- Tim, I just... I can't... shout... - What?
Don't you drink?
No, I just can't afford to shout you a round,
my bankcards are playing up.
What sort of mug do you take me for?
Don't worry.
I asked you for a drink, John.
Here's to teaching, the world's oldest profession.
Oh, I think that's...
So...
Tiboonda, eh? Do you love it?
Oh, it's got nothing on the Yabba.
What did he find?
Will you understand if I tell you?
Yeah. 'Course.
Okay, well, your left tie rod arm
and your lower control arm bush need replacing.
Steering arm bellows is split.
Radiator needs brazing.
Lower locator needs to be rewelded.
And your sump's cracked
so he's gonna try and seal it with some epoxy metal.
Okay, great. How much?
$1,800.
How soon?
We'll let you know.
Victor will do a sterling job.
So, what's your plan now?
Well...
- Tim, this may seem forward... - A year in Tiboonda?
Oh, not much to do in Tiboonda, though.
Can't even drink.
You married?
- No. - Oh.
Gay?
No.
Not a gambler, are you?
- Listen, Tim, by Wednesday... - You are a man with an appetite.
Let's finish these.
So, Tim, I was thinking...
You know what I was thinking?
I was thinking, "When's this bright young man gonna ask me what I do?"
What do you do, Tim?
John...
I make dreams come true.
Well, that's good, because, I mean,
I could definitely do with a bit of, you know...
- Advice? - help.
What?
That's our sporting complex.
Tennis courts, skate park, pool.
Well, you can't use the pool just at the moment, but it's top-notch.
You know, I was like you once, John,
a young man with the world at my feet.
And talking of the world, Tim...
Then I fell in love.
And I don't mean just with my wife, Ursula, bless her.
No, no, no.
I fell in love with the Yabba.
I got married here, you know, I started a business here,
had a beautiful daughter.
She really is beautiful. I'm not just saying that. She is beautiful.
Yes. The Yabba's been good to me.
Could be good to you too.
And I'd like others to share in my good fortune.
Well, that's great to hear, because...
It's a buyers' market at the moment.
A perfect time to buy.
Now, that's a beautiful house. Built in the boom.
Stone bench tops, ducted aircon...
Tim. The thing is, I've accepted a job in Sydney.
Investment property.
Terrific little earner.
Well, not with the mine shut down.
No! It...
It's in maintenance mode, that's all.
Bit of a downturn, sure...
but things will pick up.
You mark my words.
We're home!
Come in.
Ursula.
This is John Grant, the teacher from Tiboonda.
Was.
Hi.
Was.
Nice To meet you, John.
- Kangaroo. - Oh.
Yes, so I heard.
Can I have a word?
You told me you weren't gonna bring any more...
John Grant is a potential buyer.
Oh, for God's sake.
Oh...
I'm sorry. Uh...
You're their daughter?
Why are you here?
Your dad invited me.
Hey, look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude.
And yet, here you are.
Oh, there you are.
Look at you two, mates already.
You coming in, John?
Sure.
You look thirsty, John.
- You hungry, John? - 'Course he's hungry.
What do you think?
Oh, he seems nice.
Someone special?
Sorry?
Do you have a girlfriend?
What's her name?
- Robyn. - Lovely.
You know what? I think Robyn would be very impressed
if you return to Sydney with a little property portfolio.
Well, actually, on that topic of houses... and jobs and... money...
funny thing, Tim, I actually...
I... I lost my wallet and...
I cancelled my...
Excuse me.
Doc!
Tim.
Ursula.
Janette.
Hello, there.
- Have a seat, Doc. - Timothy!
It's Christmas.
And we...
Couldn't sell them last night?
Oh, no, no, no, they're fresh.
And I only sell the tickets, Tim, I don't bet.
I know how you feel about gambling.
- Have a beer. - Really?
Thank you, Tim.
And who have we here?
This is John Grant, Doc.
He was the teacher at Tiboonda.
He's on his way back to Sydney.
Well.
Distracted by the Yabba?
Its sights? Its sounds?
Its nightlife?
I'm surprised to see you here, Evan.
Especially this time of year.
Janette.
Well, the rent was due this week.
And I thought, why not pay my dues in person?
And why not show...
that this time of year means as much to me...
as anyone.
Sorry, timing's off. I scraped the bottom.
I'll be in the kitchen.
Tiboonda.
That's a dry town, isn't it, John?
No booze?
That's right.
Which makes the Yabba such a nice change.
Lots of beer.
Hospitable people. Beautiful women.
Why would you want to go back to Sydney?
Yeah, the only problem with the Yabba is
if you make a mistake around here, eventually...
everyone knows.
Steady, soldier.
Sorry.
May I use your bathroom?
Down the hall. Second on the left.
They like you!
Yeah, that's good.
Come on.
Still here?
Just gonna show John Grant the roses.
Well... you're in for a treat.
They're beautiful.
Your mother planted them?
She hardly even waters them.
Hardly any water.
And yet they're still alive.
How can you leave your kids in Tiboonda?
I guess I'm just ready to move on.
Are you?
John, what have you done?
Wow.
What do you reckon? Spectacular, eh?
Want a lift?
No, I need to ask your dad something.
Fine.
No, no, no. Christ.
Christmas cheer.
We'll have a little toast and then we'll talk business.
Yeah, okay. Good idea.
Good idea.
- To the Yabba. - The Yabba.
Yeah, to the... to the Yabba.
Now, Tim...
Have a seat.
'Course.
Listen, Tim.
I have to ask you a small... favour.
Let's start with this one, John.
Listen. Look, you know I have a steady job in... in Sydney.
Yes, John. You have a steady income.
Exactly, that's right. A steady income.
So, I was wondering...
if you could spare me...
a small loan...
of $1,000.
Yes, to offset the four grand you lost in two-up last night.
Two-up?
Are you going to buy a house here, John?
No. No, Tim, I'm not.
You'd best leave.
Sorry, did I spoil something?
Well, never mind. Tomorrow is a new day.
You fucking arsehole.
There, beside you.
Yeah.
Better out than in.
What the fuck?!
Mmm!
Yes, I took the liberty of, uh, washing your clothes.
You were a little bit messy last night.
Over yourself and me.
What are you talking about?
You didn't seem to mind.
I'm lonely.
What the fuck did you do to me?
What did I do to you?
Not very comfortable with yourself, are you, John?
Don't worry.
I used to be picky too.
The Yabba cures you of that.
Yeah, bullshit.
Bullshit.
Your fucking with me because you like her yourself, don't you?
Janette.
Like her?
You arrogant little prick.
You're just stumbling through life, aren't you?
No fuckin' idea how lucky you are.
Maybe that's why you and I met.
We're so alike.
We're not alike.
And I'm not lucky.
Hey, hey, hey! Sit down before you fall over.
Bloody idiot.
Where are my things?
There you go. Your phone's dead.
And my other thing?
Hm.
A man about to be engaged
engaging in strange dalliances.
Yeah, fuck off. Mind your own business.
Come on, don't be like that.
Here.
Oh, shit, no.
Come on. Hair of the dog. It actually works.
Trust me, I'm a doctor.
You're not a doctor.
No, you're right, I'm not.
But have it anyway.
Come on.
- And here, take some of these. - What are those?
Ah, it's basically... aspirin.
Ugh.
Oh!
- What time is it? - A little bit after 4:00.
4:00?
Nah, I gotta get out of here.
Oh...
And go where?
To see the redoubtable Sergeant Crawford?
You don't have a brass razoo. He'll lock you up for vagrancy.
Oh, John.
Jesus, John.
You think you can keep secrets out here?
No.
You see, the heat boils them up...
until we can't hold them any longer.
And so then what do we do, hm?
We drink. Don't we?
And the mistakes that we make...
are still there when we wake up.
And we can hope that things are gonna change,
we can hope that they're gonna get better,
but they don't.
Not out here, John.
Nothing changes out here, not on its own.
Only we can change it.
You...
and me.
You're fucking nuts.
This whole place is...
fucking nuts.
What the hell are you doing?!
Uh... nothing.
Uh...
Are... are you here for me?
Because... I'd love to get out of here.
Really?
'Cause every time I see you
you're burrowing into people's lives.
Asking my parents for money?
What's wrong with you?
- No. It's not... it's not like that. - Then why are you here?
What have you been doing with Evan?
Wait!
Ah, fuck.
Hey.
- Can I, uh, get that lift? - Walk it off.
Hey, look, I'm sorry about last night, okay? I...
After the...
We have enough problems, John.
Ah! Here they are.
Shit.
What the fuck is that little shit doing here?!
Mick, uh, look...
How the fuck did you find him?
Don't worry about it.
John.
- I can get your money. - Hop in.
Okay.
I put in a good word for you, John.
You owe us money.
Here's your chance to work it off.
What have I gotta do?
You gotta hop in.
You look worried.
Here.
Come here.
Righto.
You two... stay here.
Cut it out, Booty!
What the fuck are we doing here?
Doc?
Doc?!
Oh, shit.
Shit.
What are you doing?
What? I followed you!
Mick said to stay.
What's going on?
I told you two to stay put.
John came back here.
I caught him snooping around.
Go back and get ready.
- Snooping? - Nah. Booty... charged me.
I came back in here to... get away.
What did you see?
Nothing.
Nothing?
You don't like doing what you're told, do you, Mr Teacher?
No, I'll do what... I'll do what I'm told.
Too right you will.
Block one nostril.
Getting a good look, are you, John?
- Are we going shooting? - Oh, you're one clever guy.
Been shot before, Teach?
- What? - You shot before?
Come on, Boots.
Rabbits.
We're not shooting rabbits tonight.
You've gotta get me out of here.
It's too late, John.
- Synced & Corrected by Dragoniod & PetaG - www.addic7ed.com