After the Caravan park is sold, Joel and Gypsy move into his old family home, which Travis still owns and where Vinnie is living. Relations between Joel and Gypsy worsen due to his mistrust of her relationship with Harry Reynolds (Justin Melvey), which proves correct when the pair begin dating. Joel starts seeing Judith Ackroyd (Anna Hruby) and decides to move in with her to give Gypsy some space. Things seem to be going well between them until Judith suggests having a child together. He is against the idea, as they are not married, and is further upset when Judith offers to bring up the baby. During a mudslide that destroys several homes, Joel is on hand to rescue Alf's wife Ailsa (Judy Nunn) and their son Duncan (Brendan McKensy), together with Shauna Bradley (Kylie Watson) and Jade Sutherland who are trapped inside. Joel's leg is crushed and he is hospitalised. Natalie returns and offers to care for him in Queensland, but Joel rejects her offer and agrees to stay with Judith. Judith collects Joel from hospital and drives him to see Natalie, knowing it is her he wants to be with. They reconcile and move to Queensland where a year and a half later, they are joined by Will, Gypsy and their newborn daughter Lily.