In 1995 he won the inaugural "Trans Tasman Entertainer Of The Year Award" and went on to win the prestigious "Toyota Star Maker Quest" the following year.

In 1998, Darren was named "Young Citizen Of The Year" in his beloved hometown of Wagga Wagga.

1999 saw Darren cast as "Ritchie Cunningham" in the World Premier Arena Mega Musical "Happy Days" presented by Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, which toured Australia extensively.

In January of 2001 Darren was awarded his first Golden Guitar at the Toyota Country Music Awards of Australia. This same year Darren hosted Foxtel's top rating show "Out & About - The Great Aussie Pub Tour" and made a guest appearance on the award winning Channel 7 drama "All Saints".

Darren was cast to play the duel role of "Teen Angel" and "Vince Fontaine" in "Grease - The Mega Musical" presented by SEL and Gordon Frost Organisation, which toured Australia in the "Big Top" throughout 2001-2002.

Darren followed this up with the national "Big Top" tour of "Shout - the musical of the Wild One", presented by Jacobsen Entertainment in which he played several roles including 'Col Joye'.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Darren was awarded the 'Centenary Medal' - "For Services to Australian Society' in 2003. This same year, he released his second album, "Balancing Act", for which he was awarded 'Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year'.

He made another two guest appearances on the award winning Channel 7 drama, "All Saints" in 2004/05 and worked alongside John Farnham, Richard Wilkins, Toby Allen and Rob Mills in "Grease - The Arena Spectacular", presented by SEL & GFO in 2005.