In this 20-minute conversational session, Gregory Nicolau and Rudy Gonzalez invite participants into a reflective dialogue about what it means to lead and work in times of uncertainty. Drawing on decades of experience in trauma-informed care, they explore how the turbulence of recent years—COVID, workforce pressures, social division, and global instability—has unsettled many who work with children, young people, and families in out-of-home care and homelessness services.
Through a live podcast-style discussion, Gregory and Rudy unpack how reflective practice can become an organisational and personal compass during instability. They explore how embedding reflection into the culture of a service strengthens collective resilience, mitigates the risk of unhealthy dynamic within teams, and restores a sense of shared purpose.
The conversation will consider:
The session will run for 15 minutes of dialogue followed by 5 minutes for participant questions—offering both thought and practice that inspire steadiness, connection, and hope in complex work
Gregory Nicolau
Founder & CEO, Australian Childhood Trauma Group
With over 40 years’ experience in psychology and mental health, Gregory has built a distinguished career shaped by service, clinical practice, and innovation.
After serving in the army as both a soldier and an officer, Gregory began his professional journey as an outreach youth worker before training as a psychologist. He has since worked across clinical, organisational, and community settings, bringing courage, focus, and a unique depth of perspective to his leadership.
Renowned for his ability to consult on challenging cases, Gregory combines compassion with clear thinking, helping individuals and teams to develop interventions that promote real change and lasting healing.
Gregory is also the creator of Ripple, a technology platform that monitors and enhances the health and wellbeing of individuals, teams, and organisations. This innovation reflects his commitment to combining clinical expertise with practical tools that deliver measurable impact.
As CEO, Gregory continues to guide ACTG with clarity, vision, and a dedication to improving services for children, young people, and families facing adversity.
Rudy GonzalezClinical Director, Australian Childhood Trauma Group
Rudy Gonzalez is the Clinical Director at the Australian Childhood Trauma Group and Principal Psychologist at Salus Psychology and Consulting, which he founded in 2013. With more than 20 years of senior clinical and leadership experience, Rudy is a leading voice in trauma-informed practice and the development of therapeutic responses for vulnerable children and families.
His career spans influential roles across government, not-for-profit, and academic sectors, including Director of Clinical Services at the Cairnmillar Institute, Founding Executive Director of the Lighthouse Institute, General Manager of Practice and Sector Development at Foundation House, and Principal Practice Leader at the Department of Health and Human Services (Secure Services). In each, Rudy has driven innovation and strengthened systems of care through reflective practice, evidence-based approaches, and sector-wide leadership.
An accomplished educator and Psychology Board Approved Supervisor, Rudy has lectured at Victoria University and held an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Melbourne. He is co-author of Therapeutic Residential Care for Children and Young People and was awarded the 2013 SACS and Leadership Victoria Award for Excellence.
Rudy’s depth of knowledge, coupled with his commitment to advancing clinical practice, continues to shape stronger outcomes for children, young people, and the professionals who support them.
