Darren volunteered his time as part of the Variety Club donation of industrial gas ovens, cook tops and stainless steel sink and work bench to Tullamore Central School through their 2011 Variety Club Bash.

Darren and the students cooked a mixed mushroom risotto and made a green salad with radish and pear with a Dijon mustard dressing.

Darren is currently presenting “The best in Australia” on Foxtel, a fun and funky cook-off involving three of Australia’s best and most innovative young cooks.

Previously Darren has been a chef on Ready, Steady, Cook, a judge on My Restaurant Rules and Head Chef at Aqua Luna Bat and Restaurant at Circular Quay in Sydney.

Darren began his career in Northern Ireland where he was born.

He is the youngest winner of the UKs Young Chef of the year.

He worked in Ireland and London before being head hunted to become Head Chef of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant in Circular Quay in 1999.

Darren was accompanied by Paul Mullaly, Deputy Chairman of variety NSW, Sally Ross, Variety Bash Coordinator Melanie Bru, Alexis Caldwell and Angus Simpson.

Paul flew the group to Condobolin airport in his company plane where they were picked up by Natasha Shankelton who gave them a scenic tour of the district on their way to and from Tullamore.