Given his practices in natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and droughts, Dr Gordon will be visiting the communities affected by the Sir Ivan bushfire in his role as Australia Day ambassador. 

“I was invited to be the ambassador for Australia Day in Coolah, Dunedoo and Mendooran. I am interested to visit the communities and understand the recovery process of those involved in the Sir Ivan bushfires,” Dr Gordon said.

Dr Gordon, a clinical psychologist, has worked and consulted on many disasters and emergencies such as the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires and the Black Saturday bushfires.

He has dealt with several high stress incidents including animal disease, outbreaks, soil contamination, financial crises and agricultural industry crises.

Dr Gordon worked on 60 fires and floods in his career. He said his job allowed him to visit other states and after helping them out, he was likely to be invited back – hence his invitation to be Australia Day ambassador for the Warrumbungle Shire.

There were two aspects to understand when helping people overcome trauma and disasters, according to Dr Gordon. 

“One is to understand the fire, the losses, the trauma and two is to talk about all of the other problems such as droughts and hard times.

“It’s very important for farmers, land owners and families to think about their lives, health and relationships. If they don’t, they will eventually run out of steam and chronic stresses will evolve”.

He said rather than talk about the fire itself, people need to focus more on themselves.

Dr Gordon will attend celebrations on Australia Day in Mendooran from 7.30 to 9am, 12pm to 2pm in Dunedoo and will conclude in Coolah from 6pm to 8pm.