It was one of the most iconic moments of Australian TV; terminally ill Molly Jones, lying on a couch in her garden watching husband Brendan flying a kite with daughter Chloe, taking her last breath as the screen faded to black.
The beloved Aussie drama, A Country Practice, showcased much of the Hawkesbury to a national audience in the 1980s, with some of the most recognisable Wandin Valley landmarks located in the region.
Even the show's famous opening sequence featured a number of local locations. Wandin Valley Hospital was shot at Clare House in Oakville, Molly's house was at Maraylya, Windsor High was the local high school, the clinic was in North Street, Windsor, and Wandin Valley police station was located in Johnston Street, Pitt Town.
Now the region is set to relive its era as 'the valley' with Hawkesbury Regional Gallery set to host a new A Country Practice exhibition in December.
"So many people in the region have stories to tell about A Country Practice being filmed," Kathleen von Witt from the gallery explained.
"People just loved it, it was in the era of TV where people would watch it in real time and then talk about it, there was no Netflix or iView.
"People watched it twice a week and would then talk about it.
"Wandin Valley is Pitt Town and Oakville, and scenes were also shot in Richmond and Windsor as well."
Fun relics from the show - such as Bob Hatfield's truck door - have already been sourced, and organisers have been in touch with Pitt Town historian, Michael Edwards, who actually lives in gossipy character Esme Watson's house.
"We are really keen to have as much local content as possible," Ms von Witt said.
"The nation was in mourning when Molly died. We are even trying to track down the person who made her jumpers."
Local and interstate artists have responded to the brief and are producing works, while even Fatso the show's wombat will get a look in with the gallery's art lab creating a 'wombat tunnel' in his honour.
The show's stars are being contacted for possible appearances, tours of the various sites of Wandin Valley are being planned, and it is hoped a panel of veterinarians will be able to chat about their favourite animals.
Organisers are still calling on locals who have memorabilia of the show to come forward for the exhibition. To contribute to the exhibition, please contact Kath von Witt on (02) 4560 4440 or email kathleen.vonwitt@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au before Friday, October 25.
The Wonders of Wandin Valley exhibition will open at the gallery on December 6 and will continue until February 2, 2020.
