Gander was born in the regional town of Dubbo and educated at Wellington Public School.

Prior to entering politics, he was a billiard marker in a saloon and was a Municipality of Newtown councillor for Camden Ward from 1929 until 1931, when both Gander and fellow Jack Lang supporter Lilian Fowler lost Labor preselection to recontest their seats in the early stages of the 1931 Labor split.

[1][2][3][4][5] He was also the president of the Pony Owners' and Trainers' Association and a successful grade cricketer.

[12] Gander made a late attempt to return to politics in 1953, seeking Labor preselection for a seat on the City of Sydney council.

[13] Gander died suddenly at his home in Enmore in November 1954 and was buried at Rookwood Cemetery.