Build SMART
skills for life
SMART Recovery Facilitator and Professional and
Development Training Courses
Facilitator Training Courses
There are four ways you can begin your SMART Recovery Facilitator journey. Whether you’re an individual, part of a community group, or representing an organisation, we have training options to suit your needs. If you’re not sure which training is right for you, or would like more information, you can contact us at smartrecovery@srau.org.au or call +61 2 9373 5100.

In-Person Standard Training
$ 1320 AUD
Incl. GST
(16 hours in-person training)
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Optional 10-hour eLearning training package
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Locations Nationwide
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Small class size (max. 15 participants)
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Role-play real group scenarios
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Free copy of Facilitator Manual
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Ongoing access to training webinars
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Access to resources in the Facilitator Portal, including the training manual and a certificate of completion

Online Standard
$880 AUD
Incl. GST
(3 hours live online training)
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10-hour eLearning training package
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3 hour video conference practical training and skill-building
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Large library of video demonstrations
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Video breakdowns of key tools & techniques
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Ongoing access to training webinars
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Access to resources in the Facilitator Portal, including the training manual and a certificate of completion

Online Premium
$1210 AUD
Incl. GST
(2-day live online training)
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Optional 10-hour eLearning training package
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Delivered online by training facilitators over two days (10 hours total)
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Large library of video demonstrations
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Video breakdowns of key tools & techniques
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Ongoing access to training webinars
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Access to resources in the Facilitator Portal, including the training manual and a certificate of completion

Yarn SMART
$1320 AUD
Incl. GST
(2-day course — online or in-person)
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Small class size (max. 15 participants)
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Delivered online or face-to-face by training facilitators over two days (10 hours total)
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Breakdown of Yarn SMART program, key tools & techniques
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Role-play real group scenarios
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Free Yarn SMART Facilitator Manual
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Access to resources in the Facilitator Portal, including the training manual and a certificate of completion
SMART Specialist Extension Training
Take your SMART Recovery facilitation to the next level with our live, specialist extension training sessions. Designed for trained SMART facilitators, these interactive online courses equip you with practical, evidence-informed tools to support diverse communities and specialist settings.
Each course is delivered live via Zoom by experienced SMART trainers and is available on a variety of scheduled dates throughout the year. Participants receive a certificate of completion upon attendance.
Eligibility:
Available to facilitators who have completed SMART Core Facilitator Training
Download full Training learning outcomes.
Apply for a SMART Scholarship
Scholarship Applications for 2024 are now open for training and membership. Follow the link to register your interest for one of the following programs:
- First Nations
- Youth
- Standard SMART

Youth
$ 660 AUD
Incl. GST
Engage and support young people aged 11–25. This one-day extension builds on core SMART training to help facilitators create safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly groups. It equips you with tools and strategies tailored to young people’s developmental needs, focusing on motivation, coping, and connection.
Learning outcomes include:
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Facilitate groups tailored to young people aged 11–25
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Adapt SMART tools using age-appropriate language and methods
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Create safe, engaging, and inclusive youth spaces
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Apply culturally responsive and motivational strategies
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Use creative tools to enhance participation

Family & Friends Facilitator Training
$ 660 AUD
Incl. GST
A one-day extension course for those supporting the family and friends of people with concerning behaviours. It requires prior completion of OST/OPL or in-person training and prepares facilitators to deliver the 8-session Family & Friends program using Motivational Interviewing and CRAFT principles.
Learning outcomes include:
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Facilitate Family & Friends meetings confidently and compassionately
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Support participants to improve wellbeing while supporting loved ones
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Understand and apply the Family & Friends meeting structure and tools
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Manage challenging group dynamics sensitively
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Use SMART tools effectively within family and friends groups

Inside Out – Justice
$ 660 AUD
Incl. GST
Deliver SMART Recovery in custodial and post-release settings. This one-day module supports facilitators working in prisons, detention centres, and justice-aligned programs. Learn to create safe, trauma-informed groups and adapt SMART principles to meet the unique needs of justice-involved participants.
Learning outcomes include:
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Facilitate safe, respectful groups in correctional contexts
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Use tailored resources and motivational strategies for justice populations
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Manage safety and crisis situations effectively
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Support ongoing recovery planning post-release
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Apply scenario-based learning and trauma-aware practices
Professional development training courses
Best for people who want to learn SMART Tools and Skills, but may not be
ready to start their own SMART Recovery Meeting

SMART Skills for life
- Learn the SMART tools
- Develop your understanding of the SMART method
- 4 Online Modules
- $ 500 AUD
What SMART Recovery
participants say
"I recently completed the SMART Recovery Group Facilitator’s Training with Josette Freeman. I came away feeling confident that I will be able to facilitate a group in the near future and with a good understanding of what is required to work within this training program. SMART Recovery is a very different approach to group work and I am so pleased that I have now completed this valuable training."
“I have been very satisfied with the SMART Recovery Training. It has been a very pleasant learning experience. I score the online SMART Recovery Training 10/10 and highly recommend!”
"Since attending SMART Recovery meetings I have learnt a range of tools to assist me in managing my drinking. I have been able to explore the psychology surrounding my drinking habits, analyse when I am susceptible to binge drinking, evaluate the consequences of such actions and set clear, definable goals which I actively work towards each week."
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to complete training in order to facilitate a smart recovery meeting?
To ensure the quality of the program and the safety of participants, you must complete training before running the program. Completing the Professional Development Course is a great foundation course but doesn’t enable you to start a meeting. Completing Online, Online Premium and face to face Trainings enable you to facilitate a SMART Meeting. Further, if you are from an organisation, you must purchase a membership before starting a meeting. Memberships do not apply to volunteers in the community.
What is the difference between your online and in-person course?
Can we book out a private training for our team members?
Can you come to our workplace to provide team training?
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that circumstances happen that may affect your ability to be able to attend a training you have booked in for. In these exceptional circumstances please contact us (smartrecovery@srau.org.au) and we will try to accommodate you as best we can.