Newsflash: 9 June 2025
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it's an immense privilege to receive the nation's highest honour; SBS turns 50 today; and, in Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning the French Open men's title.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it's an immense privilege to receive the nation's highest honour; SBS turns 50 today; and, in Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning the French Open men's title.
German Chancellor confident of a Ukrainian peace deal; Australia moves closer to a free trade agreement with the EU; and, in sport, Socceroos win over Japan takes them to FIFA World Cup finals
1975 was a time of change in global politics. There was the horror of the Pol Pot genocide, the end of the Vietnam War - while in Australia there was the dismissal of the Labor Whitlam government. It was also a time when Australia was rapidly changing into the multicultural society we see today, coinciding with the birth of the nation's multilingual broadcaster: SBS.
The US vetoes a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza; Tasmania's premier continues the fight for his political life; and, in sport, rising Australian tennis star Emerson Jones has reached the final eight at the French Open.
A study finds more than one in three Australian men have committed violence against an intimate partner; Australia's lowest-paid workers have been handed a 3.5 per cent wage increase; and, in sport, The Matildas to be immortalised at the National Gallery in Canberra.
In this program: Highlights from STARTTS and Shayna Humanitarian conference with Assyrian community leaders; SBS Examines on how Dubbo is embracing multiculturalism and in Australia Explained, how the media works in Australia.
Israel says it is not targeting civilians at Gaza aid distribution sites; Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff staring down a no-confidence motion; and, in sport, World Boxing apologises to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif over a gender eligibility row.
The Israeli military (IDF) says it will investigate every incident linked to its food distribution efforts in Gaza, after at least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 170 wounded while allegedly trying to access aid. The violence unfolded near a new humanitarian aid hub in Rafah, set up by the privately-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but there are conflicting accounts of what actually occurred.
The federal government is under pressure to consider targeted sanctions against Israel; house prices in Australia increased by another 0.5 per cent in May; and, in football, The Matildas have a new coach.
Marel Parono, mental health project officer at STARTTS, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the conference, highlighting key topics from the Accidental Counselling training attended by Assyrian health interpreters, women’s group organisers, and case managers from various mental health organisations. We also spoke to Oliver Slewa, who highlighted the importance of his organisation's participation. Several participants shared their thoughts on the conference.
Donald Trump's tariffs off, then on again, after a court ruling in the United States; allegations the new aid model in Gaza is a distraction from alleged Israeli atrocities; and, in sport, New South Wales wins State of Origin game one.
In this program: an interview with Badri Diril about his book on Assyrian folktales; in Australia Explained: how to nominate someone for the Order of Australia; and in SBS Examines: Reconciliation.
Coercive control was legally criminalised in NSW on 1 July 2024. Solicitor, Oliver Slewa, worked as a policy officer in domestic violence for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. He says, according to the NSW government, coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It’s domestic abuse and it can cause serious harm, so it’s important to know the signs.
Murder charges laid after a fatal house fire in the Sydney suburb of Croydon; five teens die after an apparent house party in Siberia; and, in sport, Alexei Popyrin reaches the third round at Roland Garros for the first time.
One person dies after a house fire in Sydney; police have charged seven people in Melbourne over their alleged involvement in a machete brawl; and, in sport, New South Wales Blues back Nathan Cleary after State of Origin criticism.
Assyrian author Bedri Deril was born in the Bohtan region of southeastern Turkey. From an early age, he was deeply influenced by the oral storytelling traditions of his grandmother, who would recount ancient Assyrian folk tales to him and his siblings. These stories, rich with cultural wisdom and ancestral memory, left a lasting impression on him. As he grew older, Bedri recognised the importance of preserving this oral heritage. Motivated by a desire to keep these stories alive for future gener...
Reconciliation Week begins; the United States puts forward a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire; and in tennis, Australian Open champion Madison Keys defeats Daria Saville at the French Open.
In this program: an interview with Oliver Slewa about the Shayna Humanitarian and STARTTS collaboration on a conference about youth suicide; highlights from an Assyrian play about dementia; and a new episode of SBS Examines.
Logistical challenges for emergency services helping flood-hit communities in New South Wales; Australians mark National Sorry Day; and, in cycling, Carlos Verona claims his first Grand Tour Stage win.
The Prime Minister urges Indonesia to strengthen bilateral defence ties; the UN insists it won't back a US-backed aid effort in Gaza, as around 100 more people die in the latest strikes; and, in cycling, Aussies at both ends of the spectrum of fortune, after a chaotic stage six of the Giro D'Italia.
The United Nations warns Israel to urgently allow more food into Gaza as it warns of an unprecedented attack; Australia's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister embark on strategic talks in the Asia-Pacific; and. in sport, N-F-L Clubs fight over the fate of a controversial play they say is dangerous.
The UK suspends trade talks with Israel on a new free trade agreement; flash flooding on the New South Wales Hunter and Mid-North Coast intensifies; and, in sport, a crocodile habitat will be assessed as a venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
STARTTS and Shayna Humanitarian are joining forces to present a conference with Assyrian community leaders and health workers to discuss ways to expand the work with the community to deal with youth suicide. The conference will be held on Sunday, 31 May at Fairfield. Mr Oliver Slewa from Shayna Humanitarian says the invitation has been sent to more than 20 Assyrian organisations.
The Atour Drama Group recently staged their play Echoes of Yesterday, which explores the challenges of dementia and its profound impact on both patients and their families. Speaking to SBS, the play’s writer and director, Zaya Roel, who shared that the goal of the production is to raise awareness within the Assyrian community about how to better support loved ones affected by this condition. The performance took place at Bankstown Theatre on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
The European Union suggest strengthening security ties with Australia; the Nationals leader has backed the Coalition's nuclear plan; and, in Formula One, Oscar Piastri is defeated by Max Verstappen in Italy.
Minister Chris Bowen talks to SBS Assyrian about winning the election for the seat of McMahon, reappointment for the ministerial portfolio of Energy and Climate Change and his advocacy and respect for the Assyrian community in Australia. He says that he grew up among Assyrians in Fairfield and Smithfield and understands their plight very well and will keep supporting them. The interview is conducted in English.
In this episode: Interview with Mar Emil Nona about the Pope's election; interview with writer-director Zaya Roel about his play: Echoes of Yesterday; Yousip Bet Yousip from USA talking about his nationalistic work and active role in Iran for the Assyrian cause.
An Australian man believed to have been killed while fighting in Ukraine; the United States announces a major arms deal with Saudi Arabia as President Trump visits the Middle East; in football, Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi dropped from English side Portsmouth
Sussan Ley elected the new leader of the Liberal Party; Turkiye welcomes the dissolution of the Kurdish PKK militant group; and, in sport: the Indian Premier League tournament set to resume this week after a suspension due to regional violence.
Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Diocese of Australia and NZ, Mar Emil Shimoun Nona, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Augustinian Order and his messages of peace, tolerance and love. He was also asked about the participation of the Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, in the Conclave.