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New single for Kilmore-born band Swim State

Grace Frost
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New single for Kilmore-born band Swim State

By Grace Frost

Kilmore-based band Swim State recently released a demo of new single ‘Wasting Away’ to Triple J Unearthed for feedback before recording the final version.

Band members Beau Farrell, Xavier Kelly, Joshua Ryan, Liam Walker, and Harry Palmer came together in a music class at Assumption College, Kilmore to form Swim State in 2021, and were quick to make their mark on the music scene.

In two years, Swim State have already landed gigs at prestigious live music venues such as the Leadbeater and Gasometer hotels and featured at events including the Euroa Music Festival, delivering a plethora of high-energy performances to its growing fan base.

The indie pop/rock band dropped its debut single ‘Bedtime Story’ last year, amassing more than 20,000 streams on Spotify alone.

Swim State decided on recording ‘Wasting Away’, written primarily by lead vocalist Beau Farrell, as the next single after it proved itself to be ‘a hit’ at live shows.

Together they recorded a demo at Assumption College as ‘a draft’ of the track and released it to Triple J Unearthed.

The Australian music platform allows listeners to leave reviews and ratings on uploads – giving Swim State listeners a chance to provide feedback before the final version is recorded.

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The Swim State boys have already landed gigs at prestigious live music venues across the state in the band’s first year. Photo: Instagram @swimstate_

The band is eager to receive feedback from their friends, family and fan base before recording the ‘good copy’ for streaming platforms.

“It’s pretty nerve-wracking, just putting yourself out there and waiting to know what everyone thinks,” Palmer said.

“The feedback has been great – all our mates are super supportive, school-mates and teachers.”

‘Wasting Away’ pulls inspiration from tracks by Sam Fender and Spacey Jane, exploring themes of school days, heartbreak, relationships and ‘juggling it all’.

While four of the band members juggle music commitments with their VCE studies and another travels for work, the band remain in anticipation of more free time to record next year.

Swim State is performing at The Gasometer Hotel in Fitzroy on September 7 and at Euroa Music Festival on October 21, with five unreleased original tracks in the setlists.

“That’s a big reason why readers should get down to our shows – to hear some new tunes and get around it,” Palmer said.

The band members encouraged readers to support the band by listening to the track online.

“If anyone could jump on Triple J Unearthed and go to our profile, Swim State, and have a listen to ‘Wasting Away’ and chuck a review if you’d like,” Palmer said.

“Let us know what you think of the song – if you love it, if you hate it, whatever, just leave a comment.

“We just wanted everyone to be able to hear the song.”

Listen to Wasting Away here, and find Swim State on Spotify here.

Gameplan for Taekwondo teen from Wandong

Pam Kiriakidis
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Gameplan for Taekwondo teen from Wandong

By Pam Kiriakidis

Wandong’s Mackenzie Macdonald will fight at the World Cadet Taekwondo Championships for the second time, representing Australia in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mackenzie secured a place on Team Australia at the World Cadet Selections event in Brisbane earlier last month, followed by two internationally recognised competitions – Oceania President’s Cup and the Australian Open – where she earned gold for both tournaments.

The 13-year-old, attended her first world competition in Bulgaria last year in the 12 to 14 years old, 29 to under 33 kilograms division. She said she had a gameplan to pass the first round.

Mackenzie said the plan was to be ‘a bit more strategic’ at this year’s competition, which starts on August 28.

“Bulgaria was my first international competition so I didn’t know what to expect. I went there thinking ‘oh it’s just another competition’ but it was massive,” she said.

“This time I now know what that environment is like. I believe I will be more focused for my fights.”

While the previous World Cadet Taekwondo Championship was categorised in weight divisions, with Mackenzie defeated by a much taller opponent in her first round match, World Taekwondo has changed its division rules for cadet competitors to now fight in height classes.

Mackeznie Macdonald
Six-time-national Taekwondo champion Mackenzie Macdonald, of Wandong, is set to compete at the World Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Bosnia and Herzegovina this month. ​

Since Bulgaria, Mackenzie has grown and will compete in the 152-centimetre division, against opponents of similar height.

Mackenzie said she planned on using her intelligence to her advantage.

“I believe [height] will help me with my result especially because in all weight divisions, I’ve always had taller fighters because they’ve manipulated to get into the same division but are super tall – it’s been hard for me to get around the long legs,” she said.

“Of course I want to win but there’s a lot of steps before I get there – mainly my focus is the first round of my first fight and pretty much fight smart.”

Like last year, Mackenzie and her family are fundraising to cover the competition’s costs, estimated to be $12,000, with $7000 for athlete expenses and about $5000 for a guardian.

Athlete pathways for Australian Taekwondo are developing, however Australian Taekwondo has informed that funding is not yet available to help team representatives and encouraged competitors to seek community support.

The six-time-national champion was able to get to last year’s world championships with the support of her community and sporting grants. She said it was humbling to receive donations once again.

“It makes me feel really, really happy that the community has faith in just a little young girl trying to achieve her dreams, it makes me smile,” she said.

After the World Championships, Mackenzie will compete in the Bosnian Open, gaining more international experience to enhance her chances of becoming a developing athlete under the CombatAUS National Performance Centre – the hub that tracks developing world Judo and Taekwondo athletes capable of taking on world-leading competitions.

To help Mackenzie with donations, visit .

Wollert veteran receives WWII medallion

The North Central Review
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Wollert veteran receives WWII medallion

Wollert resident Denis Chislett last week received a World War Two commemorative medallion for his service in the Australian Army.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell presented the medallion, first commissioned in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two and recognise and honour the contribution of veterans.

Private Chislett, born in 1925, enlisted on October 31, 1944, serving in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland before heading to Bouganville and Rabaul in New Guinea and then being discharged December 2, 1946.

Mr Chislett, now 98, resides in Wollert Lifestyle Village with son Mark, and was surrounded by generations of family during the presentation.

He was escorted by fellow veterans from Lifestyle Village to be presented with the award.

“I just want to thank you all for this,” Mr Chislett said.

“It is amazing to have everyone here, taking their time to make this a very special day. All I can say is thank you so much.”

WW2 veteran pic3
WWII veteran Denis Chislett was escorted by fellow veterans from Lifestyle Village to be presented with the award. ​

Mr Chislett’s son Mark said his father was grateful for the award.

“Dad isn’t the type to like to take centre stage, but he is just over the moon with this and really, really touched,” he said.

“The whole family is so grateful for the respect paid to him and this is a really special moment for us all.”

Mr Mitchell said he felt privileged to present the award.

“These medals were intended to symbolise the deep respect and admiration we hold for those who selflessly defended our way of life during this conflict and it is my pleasure to pay this respect in person to Dennis Chislett,” he said.

“Time cannot diminish the sacrifices made by those who answered that call of duty. We are reminded every day that we all live with the freedoms we do thanks to those who fought to defend them and how their efforts still inspire us today.

“Thank you Dennis for the sacrifices you endured, the hardships you faced and the dedication you showed to our nation and its ideals. Your service has not been forgotten or gone unnoticed and your courage is part of this country’s history.”

Also in attendance were RSL Victoria state senior vice president and former Broadford RSL sub branch president Des Callaghan, Epping RSL’s president Kevin Ind and vice president Michael Reed.

WW2 Veteran pic2
Denis Chislett was awarded a commemorative medallion for his service in the Australian army. The medallion was first commissioned in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two and honour the contribution of veterans. ​

Government buys Hanging Rock’s East Paddock

Grace Frost
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Government buys Hanging Rock’s East Paddock

The State Government has purchased Hanging Rock’s East Paddock for $3 million and released a new masterplan aiming to protect the icon’s cultural significance.

Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt announced on Friday the purchase from Macedon Ranges Shire Council would provide a clear pathway for the future management of Hanging Rock.

The newly-acquired East Paddock will officially be integrated into the Hanging Rock Reserve – ensuring the precinct remains protected under single ownership of the precinct.

The East Paddock will continue to cater for a range of uses such as special music events but will be carefully managed to limit impacts on nature and the surrounding environment.

The relocation of sporting facilities will occur over a transition period of five years while the council to work with clubs to find suitable alternative sites.

Racing is a limited major event that occurs twice a year. The racecourse and associated racing events are heritage listed.

Ms Stitt said events at East Paddock would be carefully managed to limit impacts on nature and the surrounding environment.

Traditional Owners groups and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council were consulted to develop the Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan, which outlines new actions on how to sustainably promote the regions cultural heritage.

The plan also outlines future developments to protect the natural environment and improve the visitor experience, including a new revegetated ’Songline’ walking trail and a visitor centre that will act as a hub for dining and education purposes.

The Labor Government will continue to work towards a joint management arrangement with Traditional Owners, and the council will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of Hanging Rock for at least another three years.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas thanked all parties for their hard work to create the Hanging Rock Master Plan.

Ms Stitt said the purchase and the master plan moved the government closer to achieving long-term protection for Hanging Rock.

“We are getting on with implementing the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to ensure the development and management of Hanging Rock remains sustainable for years to come,” she said.

Mayor Annette Death said the sale and master plan would help ensure the cultural and environmental significance of the site was not only protected but enhanced progressively over the coming decades.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government and Traditional Owner groups on the precinct’s long-term management and development, to continue to provide a truly unique visitor experience that champions the site as a historically special meeting place,” she said.

“Council will also continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Hanging Rock sporting groups on what the endorsed master plan will mean for them in the short and long term, with the focus on finding suitable new spaces that meet their needs into the future.”

Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council considered the sale price of $3 million as suitable and within market range, as assessed by council’s appointed valuer. He said over the coming months, council would carefully assess the best strategic management of these funds for the long-term benefit of the community.

The Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan and purchase of East Paddock are among the aims set out in the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan approved by the government and council in 2018.

Kilmore artist on show at art exhibition

Grace Frost
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Kilmore artist on show at art exhibition

KILMORE Picture Framers have collaborated with Kilmore artist Helen Miles to exhibit a collection of her original pastel and acrylic artworks this Friday night. 

The art exhibition – Wonder, Whimsy and Wild – will showcase Ms Miles’ original artwork, inspired by Australia’s flora and fauna, alongside unframed work, prints and greeting cards in Kilmore Picture Framers Danish Room gallery space.  

Ms Miles’ work will be the first exhibition at Kilmore Picture Framers – a business that has served the community for more than 35 years under the previous owner – and was taken over in recent years at a new location on Victoria Parade.  

Framing and sales manager Emma Brown said the business was excited to host the exhibition showcasing Ms Miles’ work.

“I think just timing and space because we’ve had a few different things move around in the office, we think we’ve got enough space now,” she said.

Ms Miles said the exhibition was a ‘new venture’ for the business. 

“They haven’t had a gallery as such before, they have had prints and so forth, but this is the first actual official exhibition that they’ve had,” she said. 

“It seems to be calming for a lot of people, and most paintings whether they’re by someone say like me who’s been doing it forever, there’s always something that draws your eye.” 

Ms Miles has presented her work in numerous art shows over the past 30 years, winning more than 125 awards.

She was also the artistic director for the Kilmore Expo for the past 14 years.

Ms Miles said art was an integral part of her life.  

“I’ve always drawn and been creative, either in one way or another, I’ve always sewn and knitted … but I just started painting just before my children went back to school because I’d always wanted to do it, but never had the time,” she said. 

“I think creating something that wasn’t there in the beginning is always rewarding.” 

Opening night will be from 6.30pm until 9.30pm on Friday, at Kilmore Picture Framers, at 44 Victoria Parade.

The exhibition continues until September 8, with gallery opening times from 9am to 4.30pm between Monday and Friday, and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. 

For enquiries, people can contact Helen Miles at 5781 1756. 

Whittlesea Secondary netballers on the ball

Pam Kiriakidis
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Whittlesea Secondary netballers on the ball

By Pam Kiriakidis

WHITTLESEA Secondary College’s senior girls netball team has progressed to compete at the state schools finals and State Invitational Championships over coming weeks.

The team started at the local level in the Whittlesea division this year, successfully defeating schools by 10 or more goals in each round.

The team’s skill and aptitude secured them a chance at competing in the Northern Metro Regional Championships, which the team won, landing it a spot at state finals on September 4.

The team’s success this year includes achievements in standard school sports tournaments, and participating in the State Invitational Championships in July for the first time, where they dominated over some of Victoria’s elite colleges to progress to the finals on August 29.

Head coach Nathan Searl said the players were so well-balanced and complimented each other’s styles that they needed little coaching or guidance.

“Some of them are super experienced to know when to change the momentum of the game and what needs to be done in that space, and there’s three or four of them who are really experienced and can almost act as coaches on the court as well help out some of the other players,” he said.

“A lot of them have different strengths and they all complement each other well – they are really hard working.

“They probably defend better than every other team that we’ve played so far but the application on the day and their commitment to each other has been probably the highlight – they’ve worked really well.”

Searl said they had some stand-out players such as Tara Watson, who had represented Victoria on several occasions.

“Tara is phenomenal, she’s brought a lot back in terms of training [as has] all three or four girls who play at a high level,” he said.

“They’ve actually grown a lot as a team from the first couple of games they’ve played – so individual highlights, they’ve all had them – but as a team they’ve been able to work really well together, and the netball they are playing is at a really high standard.”

Searl said the year 11 and 12 team was motivated to build stronger connections in its high intensity training to compete against Victoria’s most elite netball teams at finals.

“Probably before our last couple of tournaments, they didn’t train a whole heap together – they sort of relied on their natural talent, but they all put it on each other [that] they want to train more regularly and build those connections,” he said.

“It’s a lot of structure-based training that hopefully puts them in a really good position to compete in what they know is going to be an even tougher competition.”

Roos to host a final in Outer East competition

Jordyn Grubisic
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Roos to host a final in Outer East competition

Broadford Reserves kept its Outer East finals journey alive after defeating Alexandra in a 15-point comeback victory.

The Kangaroos started strong, leading by five points at the end of the first term before Alexandra made a second-quarter comeback to head into halftime leading 2.5 (17) to 2.1 (13).

Out of halftime, the Rebels continued their run, with 16 scoring shots to Broadford’s seven, leading by 14 points at the end of the third quarter.

Alexandra played with an air of confidence, with plenty of verbal banter directed towards Broadford players throughout the game.

The Rebels looked like they were going to end Broadford’s finals campaign. That was until Broadford’s Jake Lovell stepped up, kicking a goal on the siren at the end of the third quarter, and leaving the side buzzing as it headed into the break.

A rev-up by coach Alwin Neilson and the excitement of the Broadford crowd fuelled the Roos as they came out in the fourth quarter.

In the opening minutes of the last term, Brodie Stray kicked a snap goal from the boundary, adding more fuel to the fire for the Kangaroos. They continued to fight back in the fourth, kicking five goals to take the victory and secure a preliminary final.

Broadford left Alexandra goalless in the fourth quarter with final scores 9.5 (59) to Alexandra’s 5.14 (44).

Broadford president Bonnie Cavanagh said it was ‘like a fairytale’.

“They’re such a good group of people and it’s just such a great reward for the side,” she said.

“For them to come up and really hit their straps during the finals to come away with the win was just awesome.

“The football hasn’t seen success for such a long time. They’ve been chipping away and to get one of the teams through to the preliminary final is just a massive rewarding effort for the boys and I hope they can go all the way. I really think they could.

“The players all stood up in the end, they worked for each other, and I think they have a bit of belief and hopefully that momentum will carry them through.”

While the Kangaroos had plenty of support on Saturday as its Reserves and four netball teams played at Yarra Junction and Woori Yallock, Broadford spectators will have a closer journey to support as the club hosts the division two preliminary final on Saturday.

Kicking off at noon, Broadford Reserves will play Powelltown, who finished second on the ladder but come off a 22-point second semi-final loss.

Netball

All four Broadford netball teams lost in the first round of finals on Saturday, however the A and B grade side have a second chance to secure a grand final appearance.

Broadford’s under 17s lost by two goals to Powelltown in a close game, with Broadford’s Holly Dawson, Shayla White and Taylah Evans named among the best.

Broadford C grade netballers also lost to Powelltown in a competitive game, going down 25 to 31.

Broadford held a three-goal lead at quarter-time and the margin was just one goal at the main break. However Powelltown scored 10 goals in the third term to lead by three at the last change before securing the five-goal win.

“The C grade side were certainly the stronger team on the day and the scoreboard didn’t reflect the game whatsoever,” Cavanagh said.

“Finals are a different ball game and unfortunately, we were just short on the day. We’re a very strong unit.

“The girls can hold their heads up. They put in a strong performance, and it just wasn’t enough to run out the full game in the end.”

In the B Grade game, Warburton controlled the game from the outset, leading by two goals at halftime before extending its lead out by nine in the third quarter before defeating Broadford 39 to 32.

“Warburton are a really professional, well drilled netball department,” Cavanagh said.

“They probably wanted it a little bit more than we did in the end and we just couldn’t pair back the lead in wet conditions.

“Hopefully it was the loss they needed before coming home strong.”

Broadford’s A grade netballers suffered a 28-goal loss to Warburton but the Kangaroos’ grand final hopes remain alive as they head into a preliminary final on Saturday.

The A and B grade netball sides head into preliminary finals against Yarra Glen, with the A Grade match at 11.45am and B Grade at 1.10pm.

Mental health facility opens at Northern Health

Grace Frost
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Mental health facility opens at Northern Health

NORTHERN Health last week welcomed the first patients into its Northern Hospital Mental Health Unit.

The new building features 30 acute inpatient mental health beds and a modern design, as well as technologically-enhanced sensory rooms and courtyards with in-built exercise equipment.

The rooms and communal spaces are designed to be light, supportive and flexible to accommodate the changing needs of patients throughout their stay.

Patients will also have access to a range of shared internal spaces for social, therapeutic and recreational activities.

Mental health executive director Belinda Scott said the building came as a result of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

“This new facility will allow us to implement a model of care that realises the vision of the Royal Commission,” she said.

“It is fantastic to see the impact the input from our lived-experience consumers has had on the final result – this unit is a functional space for staff to work in and a comfortable environment for patients to recover in.”

On August 15, Northern Health hosted a Mental Health Open Day, which included a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, along with speeches from staff and lived-experience patients, and a performance from the Northern Health Community Choir.

Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah said he was proud to see the facility operational.

“I am proud and pleased to see this facility open, filled with staff capable and committed to providing mental health patients with the support they need, close to their homes, families and support networks,” he said.

Clonbinane volunteer hits donation milestone

Grace Frost
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Clonbinane volunteer hits donation milestone

A CLONBINANE Country Fire Authority, CFA, volunteer hit a blood donation milestone, completing 133 donations to date.

Luke Vienet began donating blood and plasma at the age of 16, first with his school then continued the habit.

“You were allowed to donate when you were 16 when I first started. My school offered a program where they would drive the students down to donate in small groups in a minibus,” Mr Vienet said.

“It was really encouraged by the school and I just thought it was a good thing to do.”

Since he began, Mr Vienet has donated whenever and wherever he could – even completing his 125th donation in Launceston while visiting family.

He said he also began volunteering with CFA when he was 16 after being inspired by his father, and considered the two going hand-in-hand.

“I see both donating blood and volunteering with CFA as giving back with no exception – and providing a service firsthand. When I’m with CFA, I’m protecting lives and properties directly,” he said.

“As well as that, when donating blood I know that my donation is going directly to the people who need it, which is really important to me.”

Mr Vienet encouraged others to donate in any way they could.

“It’s vital to get involved, many people depend on it, and you never know – you might need it yourself one day,” he said.

“It’s a really rewarding feeling, it’s a great thing to do. At the end of the day, I think ‘what have I achieved today?’ and if it’s a blood donation and saving those lives, then that’s a great feeling.”

Panthers’ women runners up in Big V grand final

Jordyn Grubisic
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Panthers’ women runners up in Big V grand final

Despite mounting comeback efforts, Wallan Panthers women lost by seven points to Gippsland United in the Big V division two grand final on Saturday.

In a physical game that saw both sides get into foul trouble, Wallan’s Kylah Collins fouled out halfway through the fourth quarter.

Wallan’s Olivia Woods had a strong first quarter hitting clutch baskets, putting the Panthers in front throughout the quarter as the lead continued to switch between sides.

Collins got a steal with 51 seconds remaining, making a layup to put Wallan ahead by three at the end of the first quarter.

Madison Tinetti and Melissa Buckley came off the bench, contributing to the first quarter lead with a two-point jump shot and three-pointer respectively to help recapture the lead throughout the close first quarter.

With three steals, Wallan’s captain Sarah Scott had a strong defensive game.

She also drew four fouls from Gippsland to put them into foul trouble, giving the Panthers the opportunity to hit the foul line.

In the second quarter, Collins controlled the court, forcing a turnover and drawing the foul to make one out of two free-throws before blocking a shot in the defensive end.

With just over a minute remaining in the second quarter, Collins drew another foul from Gippsland, making both free throws before getting another steal finishing with a driving layup, bringing the game back to within six points as Wallan played catchup.

Wallan’s Abby Dalmau made a layup with 48 seconds remaining to put Wallan behind by four points heading into halftime.

The third quarter was rough for Wallan with turnovers and foul trouble once again.

A three-pointer from Buckley with three minutes remaining brought the game to within nine but Gippsland still closed out the lead 67 to 52.

Getting on a seven-point run at the start of the fourth quarter, Gippsland also had two consecutive fouls kicking off another quarter of foul trouble.

Collins, on four fouls, made a layup after being subbed in, drawing the foul and hitting the free-throw for a three-point play.

With four and a half minutes on the clock, Collins got her fifth foul that saw her out for the remaining minutes while Wallan trailed by 17 points.

Mirroring the start of the quarter, Gippsland shot the final seven points for the game to take the win 89 to 72.

Gippsland’s MaKenzie Miller was named Most Valuable Player, MVP, for the match.

Despite getting fouled out, Collins had another double-double to close out her season with 25 points and 12 rebounds to go with her five steals.

Wallan head coach Casey Papanicolaou said the side didn’t shoot well.

“Obviously 25 per cent from the field is not going to cut it in the grand final, but we were down by 22 at one stage and we fought hard to get it back to eight,” he said.

“We had 13 more shots than they but they were shooting at 40 per cent and that was probably the difference in the end.

“You had to be really good at the end with no mistakes to take it out but Gippsland were just better in the end.

“It was a good effort, just not enough.

“But I’m still proud of what we achieved this year to make it to the grand final, it just wasn’t meant to be for the next step.”

Papanicolaou said he was ‘really proud’ of what the side achieved this season.

“We’ve been going since November and I know a lot of people didn’t give us much of a chance to make finals purely because we’re not a very big side,” he said.

“I would also just like to thank the crowd. We had a really good crowd follow us on Saturday night and they’ve been with us all year. I know we appreciate that so I would like to thank them as well.”

It was also the captain’s last game with the side.

“It was Sarah’s last game so it would’ve been good to send her off with a win, but regardless I’m still very proud of the girls and how far we’ve come form the start of the year to now,” Papanicolaou said.

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