| ABOUT DARREN |
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Darren Chester was elected to Federal Parliament on June 26, 2008, in a by-election following the retirement of the Hon Peter McGauran. He was re-elected in 2010 and appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Regional Transport in September 2010. Darren has served on various Parliamentary Committees, including the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and the Standing Committee on Petitions. Darren (aged 43) lives in Lakes Entrance with his wife Julie and their four children. Born and educated in Sale, Darren was the inaugural winner of the Fitzpatrick Award for General Excellence and Joint Dux of Sale High School in 1985. Prior to entering Federal Parliament, Darren worked as a newspaper and television journalist throughout Gippsland and then became Chief of Staff to the Leader of The Nationals in Victoria, Peter Ryan. Darren was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of regional lobby group "Champions of the Bush" and served two terms as President of the Lakes Entrance Business Tourism Association (LEBTA), where he was heavily involved in tourism marketing and organising major events. He has led various community campaigns and has been actively involved in projects to improve the environment of the world-renowned Gippsland Lakes. When the rigours of public life permit, Darren is a keen sportsman who enjoys golf and runs marathons. Darren also assists as a volunteer with his children's junior sporting interests, including the Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club where he serves as a water safety officer. |