SBS Assyrian

Protesters have taken to the streets of Georgia's capital for a fourth straight night over the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union. Local media reports there are signs opposition is spreading across the country.

The mother of a British lawyer who died from a suspected poisoning in Laos issues a warning to backpackers; the rate of increase in Australia's housing prices slows; and, in sport, Brazil defeated Matildas 2-1 in their second match in Brisbane.

In this weekly news; Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of ceasefire breaches; dozens of bills pass the Senate including controversial migration and under-16s social media ban bills; and, in football, The Matildas vow to match Brazil’s physicality in a rematch after their fiery 3-1 defeat.

The bodies of Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles have been returned home following their deaths in Thailand. They were accompanied by their families who arrived back in Australia just hours after police arrested eight men over the suspected methanol poisonings, which took place in Laos while the pair were travelling through South East Asia.

The government pushes to pass nearly 40 bills in the Senate's final sitting day; thousands of Lebanese return to their homes in the south following an Israeli ceasefire agreement; and, in sport, Matthew Richardson dismisses his lifetime ban from AusCycling.

A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon after Israel conducts air strikes in Beirut; eight people arrested in Laos over the deaths of six tourists; and, in sport, Australia's cricket squad will remain unchanged despite a drubbing in the first Test against India.

Research shows that speaking languages as well as English before the age of five can boost a range of learning outcomes. One Sydney pre-school is trialling a new immersive bi-lingual program, that aims to make learning fun, too.

A sixteen-day awareness campaign from 25 November to 10 December highlights the importance of eliminating violence against women. Oliver Slewa, a solicitor, humanitarian, and founder of Shayna, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the United Nations' campaign’s significance in raising awareness of domestic violence and violence against women.

Reports of an imminent ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon; a prosecutor drops two criminal cases against president-elect Donald Trump; and, in cricket, Pat Cummins comes to the defence of his players.

The family of an Australian student injured in the West Bank call for an independent investigation; the UAE arrests three suspects in killing of Israeli rabbi; and, in sport, the Wallabies lose to Scotland, ending the dream of a grand slam.

Israel declares a black day in the history of nations following ICC arrest warrants ; a Fox News commentator picked by Donald Trump as secretary of defence addresses sexual assault allegations; and, in tennis, Thanasi Kokkinakis keeps Australia’s Davis Cup title hopes alive.

The ancestry question was omitted from the Iraqi census, which began on November 20, 2024. While many are likely dissatisfied with this decision, there has been no public protest or objection. As a result, the actual population of Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Syriacs in Iraq remains unknown. They will now have to wait another 10 years to determine their true numbers.

Dozens of cars vandalised with anti-Israeli graffiti; negotiations continue to try to prevent a Sydney train strike; and, in sport, the Socceroos are second in their group for World Cup qualifiers.

Australia a step closer to extraditing a murder suspect from Italy; a report finds less positive attitudes towards religion across all major faith groups: and, in cricket, Australia secures its first clean sweep of a T-20 series against Pakistan.

United States President Joe Biden's administration has approved Ukraine's use of US-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia, signalling a major policy shift. This decision comes amid escalating tensions, with Russia launching its largest wave of airstrikes in months, killing civilians and severely damaging Ukraine’s infrastructure.

Many people experience sleep disturbances due to stressors in their lives, including challenges associated with the migration experience. Issues such as insomnia and nightmares can affect both adults and children. Learn how to assess sleep quality, identify unhealthy sleep patterns, and determine when to seek help for yourself or a loved one.

Russia accuses the West of escalating the conflict in Ukraine by firing US-supplied long-range missiles at Russian territory; a strike threatens to shut down Sydney's train network for more than two days; and, in tennis, Roger Federer has paid tribute to his retiring rival, Rafael Nadal.

A shift by the United States on the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address G20 leaders and urge a tougher stance on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East; and, in rugby union, the Wallabies defeat Wales 52-20.

The White House describes the meeting between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on the presidential transition as very cordial; the founder of a non-profit teaching children about the power of kindness named New South Wales Australian of the Year: and, in cricket, Australia up against Pakistan in the first of three T20 matches.

A new national survey has revealed more than half ((51%)) of the migrant women workers interviewed have experienced workplace sexual harassment but were afraid to report it. Unions New South Wales interviewed more than 3,300 ((3,388)) women of migrant backgrounds - mostly women on temporary visas ((83%)).

Australia's Governor-General is hopeful about Australia's future, despite conflict and difficulty dominating headlines.

The White House describes the meeting between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on the presidential transition as very cordial; the founder of a non-profit teaching children about the power of kindness has been named New South Wales Australian of the Year; the Socceroos says they’re in a good frame of mind ahead of tonight’s key World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

Tens of thousands of New South Wales nurses and midwives on strike; Australian airlines cancel Bali flights as volcanic eruption creates hazardous ash cloud; and, in tennis, Alex de Minaur’s ATP Finals hopes fade after crushing defeat by Daniil Medvedev.

On Sunday, 10 November, the Athree Assyrian Centre hosted a lecture aimed at raising community awareness about dementia. Geriatrician Mariam Sarkis provided an in-depth overview of the symptoms and treatment options for the disease. Solicitor Samir Shaba discussed legal aspects, including power of attorney, while Senharib Esho, manager of the Life Centre for Aged Care, outlined government services...

The Assyrian Australian Association recently marked the 50th anniversary of the Diqlat Assyrian School with more than 400 former students, teachers, and school heads in attendance. More than 5,000 students have passed through the school with many becoming interpreters and translators, while others are now priests and church clergymen. A special book was published to celebrate the milestone.