Author Event: James Saunders

Next date: Thursday, 17 September 2026 | 06:30 PM to 08:00 PM

Join Glenelg Libraries for a very special Libraries After Dark event with Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Wongaibon man James Saunders as he launches his first book Fighting for Country, about the extraordinary life of Reg Saunders, Australia's first Indigenous military officer, hero of two wars.

April 1940: Reginald Saunders, a 19-year-old Gunditjmara man, walks into the enlistment office in Milltown, Victoria, following in the footsteps of his father 24 years earlier. It's the beginning of an extraordinary journey of service and adventure for Reg - a journey that will take him across three continents and two wars. He will be decorated, discriminated against, wounded, bereaved, forsaken - but ultimately victorious.

Captain Reg Saunders had, by any measure, an exceptional military career, serving with distinction in North Africa, Greece and New Guinea during World War II, and later in the Korean War. His exploits - including surviving on the run from the Nazis in Crete for eleven months and leading a company of soldiers against a massive Chinese force in the pivotal Battle of Kapyong - have become part of Australian Army folklore.

Fighting for Country is more than the story of Reg's military career: it is also the story of his family and his people, the Fighting Gunditjmara of Western Victoria, and of Reg's postwar life of struggle and service.

James Saunders is a Gunditjmara Wiradjuri and Wongaibon man from the Saunders and Parker family lines. He is the nephew of Captain Reginald Saunders, whose life and service sit at the heart of this book.

Born in Pambula on the south coast of New South Wales, James grew up with a deep awareness of the responsibilities that come with family, Country and history. James runs the Barragi Mawang agency and lives on Gadigal Country.

His writing reflects a new generation of Indigenous storytelling, grounded in family truth, cultural responsibility and a clear commitment to telling history as it was lived.

Fighting for Country will be available for purchase on the evening with thanks to Portland Newsagency, with cash and EFTPOS payments accepted.

FREE event, light refreshments provided
Bookings preferred, phone 5522 2265 or visit your local library branch

When

Location

Portland Library, 32 Bentinck Street, Portland, 3305, View Map