Liberal Senator/retired Major General Jim Molan has died 2 years after he was diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer. The 72yo had a long and distinguished career with the Australian Army – one of his most notable roles came in 2004 when he was chief of operations of Coalition forces in Iraq. He entered the federal parliament in 2017 – between his military and political careers, he was recruited to help shape Operation Sovereign Borders. Yesterday, PM Anthony Albanese said he was “a man of principle and a politician of conviction”, and Coalition leader Peter Dutton said the nation has lost “a decent, honourable man”. Molan had 4 children, including radio/TV host Erin Molan.

And iconic Aussie soul singer Renee Geyer died at 69yo from complications from hip surgery. She had breast cancer in the past, and reports say while in hospital for her most recent surgery, it was discovered that she had inoperable lung cancer. Known for her distinctive husky vocals, Geyer was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005 for her career spanning 5 decades. She had big pop hits like Say I Love You and Heading in the Right Direction. But it was her jazz and R&B creds that saw her recognised by the best in the biz as an immense talent. Her family say she was “irrepressible, cheeky and loyal” and a “force of nature”.