Fields of Fire Season 1

When Bluey (Todd Boyce, Great Expectations: The Untold Story) arrives in the north Queensland town of Silkwood in 1938, nothing prepares him for the challenging conditions of life on the land. Finding a job with a gang of cane cutters, Bluey discovers the true nature of hard work – a dangerous and risky occupation where sugarcane fields are scorched to rid them of snakes and other pests.

As WWII becomes a growing concern, many of the men enlist to fight abroad, leaving behind loved ones. Struggling to earn the respect of the locals, Bluey soon catches the attention of two sisters, Kate (Anna Hruby, The Harp in the South) and Dusty (Melissa Docker), with their mother, Silkwood’s grand matriarch, keeping a close eye on the newcomer and his intentions.

Continuing the dramatic Australian saga set in the North Queensland cane fields, Fields of Fire series 2 picks up in 1947, a time of growth, prosperity and adjustment to post-war living. On-going friction between the increasing migrant population and their suspicious Australian counterparts leads to community unrest. When Kate (Anne Louise Lambert, Picnic At Hanging Rock) is set to marry her sweetheart Franco (Joseph Spano) it sparks a newfound intolerance to the idea of mixed race relationships.

Crippled by the war and in need of progress, Bluey (Todd Boyce) attempts to mechanise the cane cutting process on Tiny’s (Ollie Hall) farm, a challenging prospect for all involved. As locals limit basic food and supplies, the migrants involve themselves in illegal activity and establish a black market to stem the tide of prejudice. With racism spreading through the tight-knit community like fire in the fields, the migrants are forced to take a stand for their rights or forever be stifled by bigotry.

The final chapter of the scorching historical saga set in Australia’s North Queensland cane fields, Fields of Fire series 3 takes the story into the 1950s, exploring the lives of the hard-working residents of Silkwood. Gina (Peta Toppano) and her brother Paolo (Bob Ruggiero) have established themselves and enjoy relative prosperity as successful cane growers. Still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Franco, Gina’s attention is taken by a handsome newcomer, Italian cane cutter Rinaldo (Logie Award winner Martin Sacks, Blue Healers). Local larrikin Jacko (John Jarratt, Wolf Creek) discovers a kindred spirit in down-to-earth mechanic Dawn (AFI Award winner Noni Hazlehurst, Nancy Wake) and inspiring school teacher Iris (AFI Award winner Michelle Fawdon, Cathy’s Child) attempts to give wayward Whacka (Harold Hopkins, Gallipoli) an education.

But the future is not all roses for the people of Silkwood - as Prime Minister Menzies’ 1951 Federal Referendum to outlaw communism causes all manner of instability within the small community, bringing back memories of past fears and oppression to many of the migrants. Coming to terms with a bold new political landscape, dealing with the unpredictable and life-threatening nature of Australia’s tropical climate - Fields of Fire series 3 brings the epic story full circle - exploring both the migrant experience and the ever tumultuous relationship between man and nature.