Roy Darwen served as a printer at
The Bowen Independent which had been founded by his father
William Henry Darwen (q.v.) in 1903. However he soon moved west to Blackall where he served for 31 years as proprietor of
The Barcoo Independent. Darwen was heavily involved in Blackall civic life, serving as president of numerous organisations ranging from the Turf Club and the RSL to the Shire Chairmanship. On retirement, he returned to work at
The Bowen Independent on a part-time basis.