Darin Schade Liberal for Bendigo

About

Born and raised in Bendigo, Darin Schade grew up in Long Gully and Golden Square. Darin’s family on both sides have proudly called the region home since the gold rush days. His father was an apprentice at the old Ordinance Factory, and went on to drive a truck, building up a successful small business in transport. His mother grew up in Castlemaine and moved to Bendigo when she was married, working as a teacher. After moving away to study, Darin settled in Melbourne. Throughout his career, he gained experience working in large organisations and small ones. Managing areas in the head offices of major corporations like NAB and the Coles group of companies taught Darin how to get things done in a complex bureaucracy. Running a small business, such as operating a bar in the centre of Melbourne, developed a totally different set of skills. It provided the experience of how small business owners must sink or swim without the resources of a large corporation to rely upon. Darin currently still consults to the banking and fintech industry and also runs a small business with his wife Susanna. Together they provide environmental sustainability education services to the early learning and primary school sector, in Bendigo and Melbourne. Not just through business but also through family, Darin’s links to Bendigo still run deep. Susanna’s and his two primary school aged children would far prefer to spend family weekends with Nana in Bendigo rather than staying in the City, whenever their junior footy schedule allows. Something Susanna and Darin strongly support.