HEATHCOTE’S Cassie Ward has become the first Bendigo heat winner in the regional FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands.Cassie, 14, will now compete at the grand final in Melbourne next March.FReeZA Push Start judge Andrew Kitchen said he was impressed with Cassie’s outstanding performance.“Cassie creates beautifully melodic songs that ring of light, life and love,” he said.“Her enchanting voice ... is a pleasure to listen to and get lost in.”The five acts competing in the regional finals came from Ballarat, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges, Mt Alexander and Bendigo. Each act played for 20 minutes to three judges in a bid to secure a chance to go through to the grand final.Bands and artists that have been given their start in the music industry through FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands include Kisschasy, The Vasco Era, Airborne and The Vampire Killers. Cassie will represent the northern country region in the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands grand final at the Push Over Festival on March 13.