There are few starker contrasts to the wide, open spaces of NSW's Namoi Valley than a cramped Egyptian jail.
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It has been between these two environments – Cairo and Wee Waa, the "cotton capital of Australia" – that Andrew Greste has largely split his time since his journalist brother Peter was arrested in late December.
Returned from his fourth Middle East visit on August 30, Mr Greste's flying two-day trip was the exception to most of his missions to support his older brother, sentenced in June to seven years' jail after being convicted of aiding the Muslim Brotherhood and spreading false news.
"I've probably been into Egypt 13 or 14 weeks this year," Andrew Greste said.
It has been a challenging time away from his family and the 7000-hectare grain and cotton farm he manages, but one which appears necessary to retain contact as Peter Greste waits for news on an appeal hearing date.
Andrew Greste said his brother was allowed two letters a month and no internet access, and has had only one face-to-face meeting with lawyers since being sentenced on charges viewed worldwide as outrageous and unsupported by evidence.
"We owe it to Pete," he said.
"I really don't know what's going to get him out of there – it's important we continue to explain the case to the diplomats and politicians. You can't leave a stone unturned."
On the farm 35 kilometres from the 2000-strong Wee Waa township, Andrew's wife, Kylie, a registered nurse, has been heavily involved in the Free Peter Greste website and managing the stream of related letters.
"Kylie's been super supportive, and we kind of all understand this has landed in our lap and you've just got to deal with it," Mr Greste said.
After their latest 45-minute jail meeting, made together with brother Mike, Mr Greste said their international correspondent sibling was doing "remarkably well", and had expressed interest in studying an international relations course while he fought to clear his name.
Mr Greste said the lack of any timeframe for the appeal was a frustration.
"We've got to continue to have hope and faith in the system – [Peter] feels, at the end of the day, justice will prevail and common sense will win," he said.
Parents Juris and Lois Greste return to Australia this week having spent the last two months in Egypt and Kenya, and will attend the National Press Club's private 50th birthday event on Wednesday.
