Overview

Join author James Saunders as he discusses his new book, Fighting for Country, detailing the extraordinary life of his uncle, Reginald Saunders, Australia's first Indigenous military officer.

More than the story of Reg's military career, Fighting for Country is also the story of his family and his people, and of Reg's postwar life of struggle and service.

James has drawn on military archives and family records to bring this incredible story to life – a masterful account of this courageous and inspirational Australian legend.

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.

James will be signing books in the Library foyer from 7:00pm.