Episode 6 of "Last Days of the Space Age," aptly titled "It's Still Your Beach," kicks off with Tilly engaging in a radio conversation, divulging the anticipated crash site of Skylab to the local airwaves. However, Judy interrupts the broadcast with a maternal nudge, urging Tilly and Mia to ready themselves for school. Mia's temper flares at the thought of embarking on a job to support their family, but Judy, with empathy, agrees to explore Mia's passion.
Meanwhile, Bilya and Eileen rehearse their dance routines, their movements a symphony of anticipation. Eileen's mind wanders, wondering how Rocoa would react to the unconventional pairing of a black youth like Bilya escorting Poppy to the school dance. As she practices her speech for an upcoming radio interview on History, Bilya gently prods her to be transparent about her ethnicity, but Eileen brushes off the suggestion with a smile.
Elsewhere, Sandy's heart is heavy, robbed not only of their hard-earned money but also of the cherished opportunity to reunite with their son. Lam offers solace, his concern evident as he checks on Jono, only to find him transformed into a young David Bowie, his face adorned with intricate paint. The pageant organizer's ire falls upon Yvgeny due to Svetlana's repeated absences, threatening her disqualification. Svetlana, unfazed, pleads for Yvgeny's trust and seeks Mick's assistance in navigating this unexpected turn of events.
Judy confides in Tony, revealing Mia's intention to work alongside her. She entrusts Tony with the task of keeping an eye on Tilly, who's inexplicably locked herself in the bathroom. Mia, meanwhile, retrieves a mysterious package left outside their door, a token from George's family accompanied by a heart-wrenching note for Tony. The revelation of George's passing leaves Tony reeling.
Observing Tilly's growing cynicism towards the impending Skylab crash, Tony invites her to join him in preparing a makeshift shelter as a precaution. Across town, at the Power Supply Factory, Mia employs her lock-picking skills to gain access to Wayne's office, assisting Judy and Fran in uncovering Wayne's true intentions. A Japanese contract lies at the center of their discovery, prompting a search for a translator to decipher its secrets.
As Tony and Tilly dig into the earth, preparing for the worst, Mick escorts Yvgeny and Svetlana to Sandy, who offers her expertise in crafting Svetlana's ball gown, ensuring that amidst the chaos, beauty and hope endure.
Sandy diligently assists Svetlana in repairing her gown, while Lam strides out to confront Mr. Teo, seeking vital information about Van. Lam's tone is laced with accusation, chastising Teo for deceiving them financially. Teo, momentarily halted, requests a moment's respite, urging Lam to consider the wellbeing of his remaining family members.
Meanwhile, Fran enters with a Japanese gentleman in tow, entrusting him with the task of deciphering the contract's intricacies. The revelation stuns all: Wayne has surrendered the power supply factory to a Japanese investor. Prior to the evening's festivities, Svetlana confides in Mick, declaring her intention to renounce her Russian citizenship and make Australia her permanent home.
Jono, filled with aspirations, shares his dream of becoming a musician akin to David Bowie. Lam, ever the pragmatist, endeavors to redirect Jono's gaze towards his innate potential, urging him to pursue a secure career in medicine. He emphasizes that as their sole son, Jono holds the responsibility of caring for them in their twilight years, subtly hinting at Van's unlikely return.
Eileen, accompanied by Bilya, graces the radio interview, her presence commanding attention. However, the interview takes an uncomfortable turn when the host, Scott, broaches the subject of her ethnicity. Undeterred, Eileen fearlessly defends herself and her race, proudly declaring her Binjareb Noongar heritage despite two decades in Perth. She poignantly narrates the struggles faced by her people, sharing personal anecdotes that resonate deeply.
Jono's family and the Bissetts alike are moved by Eileen's narrative, as she divulges the harrowing tales of nuclear tests conducted in Maralinga, involving her late husband. Tony's expression betrays his shock upon hearing of these tests and Eileen's heartrending account of her husband's demise. She continues, detailing her resilience in rebuilding her life as a single mother, only to endure the painful loss of her children amidst her quest for acceptance.
Ultimately, Eileen finds solace in embracing her Aboriginal identity, a momentous realization that frees her spirit. Her words echo with profound emotion, painting a vivid tapestry of resilience and self-discovery amidst life's challenges.
Bilya beams with pride for Eileen, and the duo spends the enchanted evening lost in the vast tapestry of the stars, their gazes intertwined with the cosmos. As night deepens, Tony confides in Judy, revealing the shocking truth that Gazza was the culprit who hurled the brick at her. With a heavy heart, he bestows upon Judy the agency to decide Gazza's fate as she sees fit.
Tony's voice quivers as he divulges his own dark role in the fateful test that claimed the life of Eileen's beloved husband. Tears stream down his cheeks as he recounts the ghastly details, each word laden with the weight of unspeakable horror.
The episode crescendos with Judy's resolute plea, urging Tony to confront this personal battle on his own terms, mirroring her own unwavering stance against Gazza. The night stands as a testament to the complexities of truth, forgiveness, and the human spirit's indomitable will to overcome.
