Dr Peter Rob Gordon OAM

Clinical psychologist and disaster recovery pioneer

2023 VIC Senior Australian of the Year Nominee

Clinical psychologist Dr Peter Rob Gordon OAM (Rob) has dedicated his career since the terrible Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 to helping traumatised communities and emergency service workers recover after disaster.  

Little was known about the lasting effects of trauma on communities before Rob started this work. He has built a body of knowledge to fill that gap. His person-centred, trauma-informed approach has shaped the way organisations such as the Australian Red Cross, government agencies and other groups work with traumatised communities after disaster and loss.

Rob has supported communities through the Port Arthur massacre, the Bali bombings, the Christchurch earthquakes and major floods, cyclones and fires.

He conducts information sessions and professional development, plus he provides free, individual consults to those who have suffered significant personal loss after a disaster.

Rob’s kindness, generosity and expertise were recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021.