Meet Darren Kelk
The Man Behind Fresh Networking
Darren Kelk is the founder and Director of Fresh Networking, a thriving business community that has redefined networking in Australia. With over 14 years of experience as a Personal Travel Manager at TravelManagers Australia, Darren’s background in corporate and leisure travel management taught him the true power of building connections and cultivating trust. Networking became a cornerstone of his success, enabling him to grow his business through meaningful referrals and authentic relationships.
However, after being involved in numerous networking groups across Melbourne, Darren became disillusioned with the rigid, transactional approach many adopted. He believed that successful networking should focus on connection first. When no existing groups aligned with his values, Darren decided to create his own, and in 2014, Fresh Networking was born.
What started as a small group of 15 people meeting in South Yarra has since grown into a growing community with hubs across Melbourne and over 300 members. And the journey doesn’t stop there—Fresh Networking is set to further expand its hub networking across Victoria, with new hubs regularly opening.
The Fresh Approach to Networking
Darren’s philosophy is simple: when people know, like, and trust each other, business naturally follows. His quirky sense of humour and fun, which earned him the title of ‘His Royal Freshness,’ runs through everything Fresh Networking does, from the structure of its meetings to the genuine connections that form within the community. This distinct approach breaks down barriers and encourages real, professional friendships that go beyond business cards and sales pitches.
For Darren, networking should never be rigid or formal—it should be engaging, fun, and built on trust. It’s this belief that has allowed Fresh Networking to thrive for over a decade, creating a vibrant community where business success flows naturally from authentic relationships.
Australia’s Networking Expert
With a proven track record in both the travel and networking industries, Darren is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts on business networking. His passion for creating communities that foster genuine connections has revolutionised the networking landscape, positioning Fresh Networking as a standout group in a crowded space.
As Fresh Networking continues to grow, Darren remains committed to helping professionals and business leaders across Australia unlock the full potential of connections-based networking. Darren offers his services to government and councils, helping engage local businesses in networking initiatives designed to support and drive local business growth through consulting and private networking functions.
Get a Taste
Of Fresh!
We invite anyone considering joining Fresh to attend our Hub networking sessions and get a real taste of what we’re all about. To make it even easier, your first two visits are on us (meal cost not included)—think of it as your VIP guest pass to experience the Fresh vibe.
After enjoying your two free guest passes, if you feel the spark and want to make it official, we’ll ask you to ‘put a ring on it’ and apply for membership. No pressure—just great connections and good vibes waiting for you!