Profile – Family, Recreation, Business

Darren was born in Newcastle to parents, Fay and Keith Nicholson, formerly of Belmont. He has a sister and two brothers, and one half sister and half brother from his father’s earlier marriage.

After finishing school at Belmont High, he started an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with BHP, Newcastle. Both his father and grandfather had worked at BHP Newcastle before him.

One year after finishing his apprenticeship he took a position with a private concreting company, operated by his future father-in-law. He added to his skillset, learning to operate heavy machinery, including cranes, backhoes and front end loaders.

In 1986/87, he joined the Department of Housing and Construction to work at Mawson Base, Antartica, as a senior carpenter. For entertainment he took part in ice-yachting and dogsled runs.

His sense of adventure took Darren and Ricci to Europe for six months, during which time he participated in international sailing regattas. He was part of the Australian team to sail Lasers in Denmark. He also finished second in the Swiss Nationals.

On his return, he did contracting in the building industry before setting up Lake Constructions. Work was plentiful because of the recent 1989 Newcastle Earthquake.

This led to the establishment of the current building company, Lake Maintenance.

Darren and Ricci have their home in Lake Macquarie.

Darren is a member of the Newcastle Club, Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Belmont 16-Footers and the Cobra Club.