SBS Assyrian

A Sydney teenager charged with a terrorism offence; Donald Trump says Iran has given him a present; and in cricket, Georgia Voll hits the third fastest international T20 century by an Australian woman.

In this program: Highlights of the launch of a new book by Zaher Dauda; interview with Assyrian Students Association-Australia and their trip to meet Assyrian youth in Germany, and an interview about Assyrians of Melbourne celebrating the Assyrian New Year, with Shmoel Eramya

Eleven Assyrian organisations have united to host a major festival celebrating the Assyrian New Year 6776. One of the organisers, Mr Shmoel Eramya, told SBS Assyrian that more than 5,000 community members are expected to attend. The event will feature hours of festivities, including cultural performances and a wide variety of traditional food, and will run from 10 am to 7 pm at Anzac Park on Sunda...

Many Assyrian writers, artists, and media personalities gathered at the Fairfield Library Hub for the book signing of Zaher Dauda’s The Language of Gods, a collection of short stories. The book contains 51 short stories, both in Assyrian and Arabic. The author spent nine years bringing the book to life. Having lived with his family as a refugee in Turkey, he arrived in Australia just 14 months ago...

SBS Assyrian spoke with the President of the Assyrian Student Association Australia, Odessa Shmoel, and Vice President Dennis Suro following their return from an exchange visit to Germany. During the trip, they connected with Assyrian youth in Germany, engaging in meaningful discussions centred on preserving the Assyrian language, strengthening cultural identity, and safeguarding their shared heri...

Israel says attacks on Iran and Lebanon will continue even after Donald Trump declares a week of diplomacy; a long-awaited trade deal between Australia and the EU could be closer to being signed; and in sport, Cricket Australia says expansion of the Big Bash League still a goal, after New Zealand rejects the offer to join.

Lebanon's president says he believes a ground invasion from Israel is imminent; Data centres in Australia subject to guidelines on energy and water use; And in cricket; The schedule for Australia's summer of cricket has been announced.

Plans to build a production hub for the Special Broadcasting Service in Western Sydney will no longer go ahead. The government has indicated its decision has been made in the context of the current fiscal environment.

Extra fuel to flow in Australia as premiers and the PM meet over supply concerns... Two killed in Israel by an Iranian missile attack...And in sport, Japan defeats South Korea to qualify for the Asian Cup final against the Matildas.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has hiked interest rates for the second consecutive month as war in the Middle East compounds inflation concerns. The split five-four decision on Tuesday was the tightest since the central bank started publishing vote tallies, with the RBA's monetary policy board lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent.

In this program, an interview with Alfred Mansour from Assyrian Australian Association about the Assyrian schools parade; an interview with Hermiz Shahin about the latest preparation for the Assyrian New Year festival in Sydney and an interview with Deena Khamis Yako about Harmony Week in NSW

US President Donald Trump delaying a diplomatic trip to China; New figures show domestic violence offences at a record high in New South Wales courts; And in sport, The Matildas defeat defending champions China to go through to the Asian Cup final.

Deena Khamis from the Refugee Council of Australia and Sanctuary Runners Australia speaks about Harmony Day and a Sanctuary Run organised to encourage community participation during Harmony Week. Mrs Khamis invites the community to take part in the week’s activities, especially the Sanctuary Run at Auburn Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 21 March. People can register at refugeecouncil.org.au or sign...

The Assyrian Australian Association is organising the Assyrian New Year celebration with a parade by the children of the Assyrian Schools through the streets of St John’s Park on Saturday, 28 March, followed by a special presentation at Edessa Hall. The Association’s Treasurer, Mr Alfred Mansour, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the event, saying the aim is to encourage students to participate and rais...

Iran's supreme leader says his father's government appointees will remain in their roles... More nations refuse to take up Donald Trump's demand on the Strait of Hormuz... And in football, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley cleared to play for the Matildas, ahead of the Asian Cup semifinal against China.

Preparations are underway for the 6776 Assyrian New Year festival at the Fairfield Showground in Fairfield. Hermiz Shahen, the President of the Assyrian National Council, who hosts the festival, spoke to SBS Assyrian and updated on the latest from the preparations for the event.

The United States says its conflict with Iran will end in the next few weeks. But, as [[x]] reports, not all indicators are pointing to that outcome, as economic concerns continue to dominate around the world, alongside the military strikes. They're the three words that dominate thoughts about the current conflict in the Middle East right around the world. How much longer?

A fifth member of the Iranian women's football team withdraws application for asylum in Australia; Israel says will continue operations in Iran and Lebanon until goals achieved... and in sport, The Matildas prepare to face defending champions China, in the Asia Cup.

World leaders agree on a record release from the global emergency oil reserves; Optus' parent company to face an inquiry over fatal triple zero outages to its network; And in football, Iran says it can't compete at this year's World Cup in the United States

The Australian government has granted humanitarian visas to seven members of the Iranian National women's football team to stay in Australia. Amidst relief from the supporters within the community and fears for the remaining players, critics say the government's proposed visa legislation will leave other visa holders in the region stranded.

In this program: Highlights from the Rabi Nimrod Simono Scholarship awards night; Oliver Slewa talking about the NSW Seniors Week and in Australia Explained, Australian Biosecurity and border protection

Reports more Iranian footballers have sought asylum in Australia; A growing body of evidence contradicts Donald Trump's claim on the school bombing in Iran; and in sport, Australian Para alpine skier Michael Milton delivers an improved performance at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Thousands evacuated in parts of Lebanon and Beirut, as Israel targets Hezbollah cells; A new federal report is showing that men remain almost twice as likely as women to earn high salaries in Australia; and in Formula One, Oscar Piastri insists he's ready to play as a team member for McLaren

The 2026 NSW Seniors Festival, formally known as Seniors Week, is celebrated each year from 2 to 15 March. This annual event recognises the valuable contributions of older adults and offers thousands of free or discounted activities across the state. Oliver Slewa explains the significance of the celebration and highlights the importance of raising awareness about caring for the elderly.

Highlights from the Rabi Nimrod Simono Scholarship Awards include interviews with top achievers who share their inspirations, dreams, and visions for the future. They discuss their goals, achievements, and how they hope to use their education and talents to contribute to the Assyrian community and to Australia’s broader society. We also feature an interview with the ceremony's keynote speaker, Dr...