Darren Cheng

Member of the Fundraising Sub-Committee

Darren Cheng brings more than business acumen to his role as CEO of Direct Funeral Services, he brings a heart shaped by years of counselling, psychology, and deep compassion. 

Before stepping into funeral care, Darren worked as a psychotherapist specialising in children’s issues, grief, insomnia, and depression. 

As CEO, Darren has been instrumental in weaving emotional care into every touchpoint of the company’s services. Under his guidance, Direct Funeral Services not only meets practical funeral needs, but also addresses the often, invisible journey of mourning. With staff trained in empathy, services crafted to respect both tradition and individual stories, and a culture that makes space for tenderness in times of loss. 

Beyond his leadership in operations, Darren is a prolific educator and author. He has written children’s books such as Where Did Grandpa Go?, I Remember Grandma and the latest book, The Colours Of Missing You. These books help families, especially the young to navigate grief. He also regularly speaks to community groups, organisations, and beyond to destigmatize conversations around death. 

Darren believes that death may mark the end of a life, but it need not be the end of care, dignity, or memory. He leads with conviction that every farewell offers a chance to honour what has been, to heal what is, and to strengthen what remains.