Bestselling author Judy Nunn will lift the lid on the true story of a little-known armed revolt by African-American soldiers stationed in Townsville during World War II at Orange City Library next month.
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The former Home and Away star turned author will host an author talk on on Wednesday, October 16, following the Tuesday release of her 15th novel, Khaki Town.
Ms Nunn and husband, writer and actor Bruce Venables previously came to the region in 2014 when they were the Australia Day Ambassadors for Cabonne Council, and Ms Nunn has also hosted previous author talks.
"I think [it's] one of the most gorgeous places in Australia," Ms Nunn said.
READ MORE: Judy's acting: that's another story
"I always get a very very warm reception in regional areas, they love events and authors coming to [their towns]."
Ms Nunn said her books were also often set in regional or remote areas.
The book is set in March 1942, after Singapore had fallen and Darwin had been bombed.
"1942 was the most dangerous year in this country, we were on the brink of being invaded by the Japanese," Ms Nunn said.
Along with a slash and burn policy to prevent invasion, Townsville was transformed into a transport hub for 70,000 American and Australian soldiers destined for combat in the South Pacific.
In Khaki Town, barbed wire and gun emplacements covered the beaches, historic buildings were commandeered and the dance halls were in full swing with jazz, jitterbug and jive.
Then one night a massive street fight left a black soldier lying dead on the pavement, and the situation exploded into violent confrontation.
The fictional tale, and fictional characters are set against the backdrop of real-life events which only came to light in 2012 when a researcher uncovered that a young US congressman, and later President Lyndon Johnson was sent to Australia to investigate reports African-American troops had turned their machine guns on white officers.
Ms Nunn said she came across the information in an unpublished story written by a friend of hers.
1942 was the most dangerous year in this country, we were on the brink of being invaded by the Japanese.
- Author Judy Nunn
"I said, hey, this would make such a great basis for a novel," Ms Nunn said.
"It was not and still is not well known."
Mayor Reg Kidd has encouraged fans of the author to be among the first to hear about the new book.
"Developing a love for reading is one of the important roles our Library takes on as it organizes events like these," Cr Reg Kidd said.
"Novels like this can shine the spotlight on our recent war-time history and help us make sense of it."
The author-talk will be at Orange City Library on October 16 from 5.30pm to 7pm. To book visit the Central West Libraries website or phone 6393 8132.
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Tanya Marschke
I am based at Orange and cover a wide range of subjects as well as the weekly business column. I've worked consistently in the the media industry since 2006 including the past seven years at the Central Western Daily. Before moving to Orange, I worked as a journalist at weekly newspapers the Beaudesert Times and the Gold Coast Sun in Queensland, as well as the Scone Advocate in the Hunter Valley. I started my career at the Ridge News in Lightning Ridge while I completed my journalism studies remotely at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
I am based at Orange and cover a wide range of subjects as well as the weekly business column. I've worked consistently in the the media industry since 2006 including the past seven years at the Central Western Daily. Before moving to Orange, I worked as a journalist at weekly newspapers the Beaudesert Times and the Gold Coast Sun in Queensland, as well as the Scone Advocate in the Hunter Valley. I started my career at the Ridge News in Lightning Ridge while I completed my journalism studies remotely at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
