Attorney General Greg Smith SC said Mr Darke has worked as a barrister for more than a quarter of a century, practising primarily in general equity and commercial law, insurance, trade practices and professional negligence. 

Mr Smith said in recent years Mr Darke’s practice has increasingly involved appellate work, and he has also acted as a commercial arbitrator.

Mr Darke (pictured) was born and raised in Bathurst. He was captain of Bathurst High School in 1978. He was a talented rugby league player, public speaker, and a fine student.

Wendy Hastings was a teacher at the school when Mr Darke was in his senior years. 

“He was a born leader – an eloquent speaker, and a young man who garnered respect,” Ms Hastings said.

“He was destined for success because of the kind of young man he was. Whatever he decided to do, he was always going to be successful. 

“Rowan was a delightful student and well-liked by both students and teachers. 

“I am so thrilled for him.”

Ms Hastings said Bathurst High School has turned out a whole range of luminaries, mostly in the sporting arena.

“To see a Supreme Court judge come from a rural comprehensive school is truly wonderful,” she said.

Mr Darke is the son of well-respected community leader June Darke and the late Roy Darke. Both his parents were teachers in the public education system. 

Mr Darke holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class 2) and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.

He began his legal career as an Associate to (the late) Justice John Lockhart at the Federal Court in 1985 and was admitted to the Bar in the same year.

He commenced practice at the Bar in 1986 as a Reader on the Eleventh Floor of Selborne/

Wentworth Chambers (which later amalgamated with Tenth Floor Wentworth) where he has remained until his appointment.

He was appointed as a Senior Counsel in 2001. In recent years he has been an instructor for the Bar Practice Course and a director of the Barristers’ Sickness and Accident Fund. 

Mr Darke has also served as a director of the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service and chaired its Audit Committee. 

In connection with those roles he served briefly on the board of the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation.