[2] He spent the early years of his life in Gunnedah and was converted to Christianity at age eight, and attended high school in Armidale.

After finishing school, Chiswell attended the University of New South Wales where he completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering but also undertook ministry under the leadership of Philip Jensen.

[2] After graduation, Chiswell worked as a civil engineer, building roads and bridges with Moree Plains Shire for five years.

[4][2] On 12 December 2020, Chiswell was appointed as next Bishop of Armidale, succeeding Rick Lewers who had retired earlier in 2020.

“Involvement in positions of ministry or other leadership … is conditional upon agreeing to the Faithfulness in Service code,” Chiswell said in a statement.