National Library of Australia

Book launch: Fighting for Country

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.

Book Launch

Event Details

Category

Book Launch

Event Starts

Sep 23, 2026 18:00

Event Ends

Sep 23, 2026 19:30

Venue

National Library of Australia

Location

Parkes Place West, Parkes ACT, Australia

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.

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.

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

Watch online

The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and the Library’s Events team will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library’s YouTube channel.

About James Saunders

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.

For more information click here