Joey Saunders is a proud Gunditjmara man on his father's side and a proud Monero Ngarigo man on his mother's side. He began his journey in tourism learning directly from his father, taking tours on Country and learning the deep cultural stories of the Budj Bim lava flow. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong connection to the land and a commitment to sharing its significance.

Joey worked casually as a tour guide before spending several years around Australia in different roles. For the last eight years, he has focused on community engagement, first with the First Peoples’ Assembly as an Engagement Officer for the South West and later with the Yoorrook Justice Commission as a Truth Receiver documenting the stories and injustices experienced by First Nations peoples in Victoria.

Throughout this time, Joey remained connected to Budj Bim, returning as a casual tour guide. Now as General Manager of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism, he combines cultural knowledge, operational insight and a deep commitment to community. Joey is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for Gunditjmara people, growing the tour business in a sustainable way and ensuring visitors experience the cultural, historical and environmental richness of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape.