FAQs: Rock & Water Australia
What is the Rock & Water Program?
The Rock & Water program is an experience-based program for young people and adults that promotes self-awareness, self-confidence, self-control, and social functioning through physical exercises, games, role-play and reflection.
Who developed Rock & Water, and who runs it in Australia?
It was developed by Dutch educator Freerk Ykema. In Australia, the program is delivered by Master Instructor Brian Hayes in partnership with the Gadaku Institute.
What workshops are offered, and who are they for?
There are various workshops:
3-Day Comprehensive Workshop
2-Day Primary School Workshop
2-Day Focus on Girls & Women
2-Day Autism Spectrum Workshop
2-Day Trauma Workshop
1-Day Refresher / Introductory Course
Advanced Training & Closed Workshops
These are aimed at teachers, youth workers, health professionals, community support services, and others who work with young people.
What are the costs of the program?
The cost depends on the type of workshop:
3-Day Comprehensive Training – generally the most popular entry course.
2-Day Workshops (Primary, Girls & Women, Autism Spectrum, Trauma).
1-Day Intro or Refresher Workshops.
Prices vary by workshop length, location, and whether it’s an open public workshop or a closed session delivered at your school or organisation. All costs include training materials, manuals, and certification.
For current pricing and upcoming dates, please visit our Workshops Calendar or contact our team.
How do schools become recognised as a “Rock & Water School”?
To gain accreditation, a school must meet criteria such as:
– Running at least three groups of students receiving a minimum of ten lessons each year.
– All teachers undertaking at least a 1-day intro training within three years.
– Having at least two teachers with the full three-day seminar (or primary focus seminar for primary schools).
– Integrating Rock & Water into the school curriculum/plan, having a coordinator, etc. Accreditation lasts three years, with the possibility of re-accreditation.
What resources are available, and who can access them?
Manuals (for 3-day, primary, girls/women, autism spectrum disorders) are developed and supplied to participants in accredited workshops. Other items, such as mini posters, journals, and apparel, are available in the Resources section.
If you have not been through accredited training, using the full Rock & Water resources or attempting to deliver the program independently is not permitted / ethical.
Where are workshops held, and how can I find nearby dates?
Workshops are run across all Australian states and territories (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT).
The website has a calendar of upcoming workshops by state.
How do I contact Rock & Water if I have questions or want to organise training?
Contact people are:
Brian Hayes (Director) — phone: 0416 199 190, email: brian@rockandwater.com.au
Melissa Hayes (Event Coordinator) — phone: 0403 561 173, email: info@rockandwater.com.au
Brian Hayes is a Master Instructor in the Rock and Water Program and Director of Rock and Water Australia, which accepts sole responsibility in partnership with the Gadaku Institute Netherlands to conduct teacher training in the program in Australia.