In 2011 Darren was appointed the interim CEO of the “Designing Better Cities and Regional Centres” Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) bid which was short listed during the 14th round of selections. This enterprise was created in recognition of the gaps that exist between policy development, planning and the delivery of vibrant and liveable community precincts. This project evolved into an entity which had a regional development focus culminating in a piece of research for the Pilbara region of WA which was completed in 2013. PB-CUSP Pilbara Cities