In 1930, Sybil Pace returns to wharf-side Woolloomooloo withtwo small children, no husband and in need of a job. Work isscarce. The wharves are quiet, but at night the sly grog shopsand brothels come to life. Toughened by the poverty andviolence that characterised Woolloomooloo, Sybil and her son,George do what they must to survive.