We of the Never Never

Jeannie Gunn (1870-1961) was an Australian novelist and teacher. Born in Melbourne, Gunn was the daughter of a Baptist minister and newspaperman. Educated alongside her sisters, she attended Melbourne University and ran a school for seven years upon graduating. In 1902, after marrying explorer Aeneas James Gunn, she traveled to the Northern Territory, eventually settling at the cattle station of Elsey. Following Aeneas' death from malaria, she returned to Melbourne and embarked on her career as a writer. Her second novel, We of the Never Never (1908), is an autobiographical work which earned her a reputation as a leading figure in twentieth century Australian literature. The final decades of her life were spent in service to returning serviceman through the Monbulk RSL, a charity organization. In 1939, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her work.