TRANSCRIPT
- Young Americans pay tribute to former US president Jimmy Carter
- The Australian Defence Force to accept recruits from the UK, US and Canada
- Australian star Maya Joint excited ahead of her match against Belarusian Victoria Azarenka
Young Americans are paying tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday aged 100.
It comes as U-S President Joe Biden declares a national day of mourning for Mr Carter.
Public memorial observances are expected to take place in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. as final arrangements are made for a state funeral.
18-year-old Chase Howard from North Carolina says he's an inspiration to his generation.
"He understood that outside of politics, outside of policy, there is a person on the other side. And if we can appeal to that person we can get things done, we can create a better future. So for my generation, we should use him as an example, of what diplomacy looks like, of what reaching across the aisle truly looks like."
Mr Carter served one term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy.
The Carter Center says he died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia surrounded by his family; more than a year after entering hospice care.
In March 2019, he became the oldest living former president in US history.
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American, Canadian and British citizens will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force from the start of the new year.
The decision to accept recruits from Australia's Five Eyes partners is part of an effort to address shortfalls in the number of people signing up to the ADF.
The government also revealed that 400 New Zealand residents have applied to be part of the A-D-F since July.
Defence has missed its recruitment goal every year since 2012 but hopes to reach 80,000 recruits by 2040.
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New South Wales Police is investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Western Sydney.
The 31-year-old man was shot in his car outside his home at Canley Heights on Sunday night in what police allege is an organised crime-related murder.
Paramedics treated the man for gunshot wounds but he died at the scene.
Police were called a short time later to an abandoned burning car in the neighbouring suburb of Wakeley.
They believe both incidents are linked.
A 33-year-old man from Bossley Park has been arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station.
Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty says police believe the attack was targeted.
"I think it just comes down to what we always talk about and that's drugs and greed normally. And any involvement in criminal activity and organised crime networks we've seen, people don't always lead the high life and have the bling. There is consequences if you're going to be involved in an organised crime network and we see it over and over again, they end up dead on the street in Sydney."
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A group of advocates have walked 101 laps around Bondi Promenade in Sydney to raise awareness for domestic violence.
Walk for Women is an annual event aimed at honouring those who have been killed violently in Australia.
Sharyn Brown says she started the event in 2022 when she found out the number of women being killed in Australia was escalating.
"Here we are two years later and we've had 101 women killed violently. That's a 65 per cent increase in what has become a national epidemic and it's not ok. We need to do something to make it stop by hosting this event and by walking in such a public place we're creating a space for people to have conversations and to connect with each other and we're taking the whole issue out into the public."
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The RSPCA is reminding people to consider how New Year's Eve celebrations may impact their pets.
With firework displays happening in many places around the country, the loud noises can be particularly scary for animals.
Chief veterinarian Dr Liz Arnott says the unpredictable sounds of fireworks can cause panic and anxiety.
"A few tips at this time of year is to provide them access to areas of the house where they can feel safe. They need calm reassurance. They may like to hide under the bed, they may like to be in the bathroom where it's well insulated. There are a few other ways you can reduce the impact of the noise, pull the curtains, play some calming background music, and consider accessing some canine pheromones that can feel quite calming to animals."
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In sport,
Rising Australian tennis star Maya Joint says she is looking forward to going up against Victoria Azarenka at the Brisbane International.
The 18-year-old won 6-3 6-4 against Maddison Inglis to book the second-round clash with former world No.1 and two-time Australian Open champion set for tomorrow.
She says she's excited to see how far she will go in the tournament.
"I'm just really excited for the match up (against Azarenka). I had seen the draw beforehand and it definitely motivated me to win this match more. And I am just excited to see how my game matches up against hers. This tournament is super important. It is the beginning of the season. I am glad I got a good win under my belt. I will take confidence from that. She (Azarenka) hasn't played a match yet this week, so."
