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SBS Assyrian

Independent news and stories from the SBS Audio Assyrian program, connecting you to life in Australia and Assyrian-speaking Australians.
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Episodes

Newsflash: 30 July 2025

Israel condemns the UK's ultimatum to support Palestinian statehood; economists say today's consumer price index announcement could prompt an interest rate cut; in cycling, Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes stormed to her second consecutive stage victory at the Tour de France Femmes.

Jul 30, 20253 min

SBS News in Assyrian: 29 July 2025

Five people killed in Bangkok market shooting; manhunt underway after anti-Israel activists vandalise Melbourne freight offices; in swimming, Kaylee McKeown to face Regan Smith in backstroke final at World Championships.

Jul 29, 202512 min

Giving Back: How one Assyrian refugee found purpose in the Australian Air Force

Simon Shahin spoke with SBS Assyrian about his journey to joining the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He shared that his motivation stemmed from a desire to serve and give back to Australia — a country that welcomed him and his family after they fled the war and devastation in Syria. Arriving with his Assyrian family a decade ago, Mr. Shahin faced many challenges, including trauma, a language barrier, and adjusting to a new homeland. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, studied diligently,...

Jul 29, 202528 min

The Assyrian Remembrance Day at the NSW Parliament House

This year's commemoration of the 7th of August Assyrian Martyrs Day will take place at the New South Wales Parliament House. Mr. Hermiz Shahen, President of the Assyrian National Council, informed SBS Assyrian that invitations have been extended to most members of the NSW Parliament, and a number of representatives are expected to attend the memorial event. Dr. Anahit Khosroeva, a distinguished guest from the United States, will deliver the keynote address. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, ...

Jul 29, 202528 min

Newsflash: 28 July 2025

The UN's food agency repeats the call for a broader ceasefire in Gaza; Federal MPs to debate net zero targets ; in Formula One, Englnad retains its title as Women's European Championship

Jul 28, 20254 min

SBS Assyrian: Weekly news wrap

Australia lifts its ban on U-S beef imports, as it negotiates tariff exemptions; student debt cut to be first bill introduced in 48th Parliament; Jess Skinner confirmed as Australia's full-time women's rugby league coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Jul 25, 202512 min

Newsflash: 24 July 2025

Australia lifts its ban on U-S beef imports, as it negotiates tariff exemptions ; U-S Democrat politicians order the Justice Department to release files from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein; in A-F-L, a three-match ban is upheld on Melbourne defender Steven May.

Jul 24, 20253 min

Assyrian program 22 July 2025

In this Program: Interview with Oliver Slewa about new refugees pilot program to process refugees' applications quicker if they have certain skills: ALC feature about the killing and starvation in Gaza; and in Australia Explained, the education in first nations

Jul 23, 202550 min

Newsflash: 23 July 2025

Student debt cut to be first bill introduced in 48th Parliament; Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76, weeks after final Black Sabbath show; in Rugby Union, Ikitau urges Suaalii to demand ball in must-win Lions Test.

Jul 23, 20254 min

News bulletin: 22 July 2025

Welcome to Country opens Australia's 48th parliament; the Greens call for stronger action while supporting the government's tougher stance against Israel; in tennis, Nick Kygrios defeated in an ATP doubles match comeback.

Jul 22, 202512 min

More international calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to unfold. Gaza health officials say more than 59,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7 and food scarcity is tipping into famine. As Israeli military forces press further into central Gaza, and aid routes remain blocked or under fire, the international community is again calling for a ceasefire.

Jul 22, 202510 min

Australian immigration new pilot program for refugees

Oliver Slewa from Shayna Humanitarian spoke with SBS Assyrian about a new government pilot program aimed at assisting refugees overseas who are interested in resettling in Australia, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria and conditions.

Jul 21, 202513 min

Newsflash: 21 July 2025

The deadliest day yet for aid-seekers in Gaza in over 21 months of war; a survey of 5,000 Australians reveals the toll of chronic pain; in sports, UK football racism

Jul 21, 20253 min

Assyrian weekly news wrap

Israel launches strikes on Syria; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang sign several agreements in Beijing: and, in sport, the 153rd British Golf tournament tees off today, with potential upsets in the mix.

Jul 18, 202513 min

Newsflash: 17 July 2025

A search resumes for a missing pilot and plane in the Snow Mountains; the Prime Minister talks-up Australian sport and business in the final leg of his China tour; and in cycling, Pogocar takes a tumble and Australia falls just short of victory at the Tour de France.

Jul 17, 20253 min

Assyrian program 15 July 2025

In this program, listen to Mr Homer Abramian discussing the role singer Even Aghasi could have played in taking the Assyrian song to an international level. Feature about diabetes implications. New Australian laws to combat hate speech. What is the role of a Justice of the Peace?

Jul 16, 202557 min

Newsflash: 16 July 2025

Australia and China expand trade ties with fruit deal and fresh agreements.; Childcare centres under review as sex offence charges widen; and, in sport, Adam Cerra fined under new A-F-L umpire contact rules

Jul 16, 20253 min

News bulletin: 15 July 2025

Anthony Albanese joins Premier Li Qiang at a business roundtable in Beijing; an end to debit and credit card surcharges in Australia is announced; and, in cricket, Australia defeats the West Indies to win the Frank Worrell Trophy.

Jul 15, 202511 min

Early action urged on diabetes, one of Australia's most common killers

Health experts are calling for more early action to prevent the seventh most common cause of death in Australia: diabetes. The Royal Australian College of G-Ps are urging Australians to see their doctor and make steps to change their lifestyle now to avoid long-term health struggles in later life.

Jul 14, 202510 min

Newsflash:14 July 2025

Australia's economic relationship with China on the Prime Minister's agenda during his visit to Shanghai; blood and plasma donation rules in Australia changed to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ+ individuals; and, in cycling, Belgian Tim Merlier [[Merl-lee-air]] wins stage nine of the Tour de France.

Jul 14, 20254 min

From Agassi to Aznavour: Homer Abramian on the power of cross-cultural inspiration

Homer Abramian, a respected writer and intellectual within both the Assyrian and Persian communities, locally and internationally, advocates for greater cultural and literary engagement. He encourages Assyrian poets and readers to explore the literature—and particularly the poetry—of other cultures as a means to broaden their creative horizons and deepen their artistic expression. As an example, Abramian draws a parallel between renowned Assyrian singer Evin Agassi and the legendary French-Armen...

Jul 14, 20257 min

A voice of strength: Marina Benjamin’s poetry empowers Assyrian women

Finally, the Assyrian community had the chance to hear Marina Benjamin’s poetry live. Marina is admired by Assyrians worldwide for her distinctive voice and powerful messages. Through her poetry, she tells stories of identity, struggle, and strength, helping to empower Assyrian women everywhere. Her boldness, courage, and beauty have made her a symbol of the modern Assyrian woman. She has inspired many by breaking barriers and showing that Assyrian women can lead, create, and express themselves ...

Jul 13, 202517 min

SBS Assyrian news bulletin: 8 July 2025

The Reserve Bank widely expected to cut interest rates today; US President Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on Japan and South Korea; and, in sport, Alex de Minaur goes down to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon quarter final.

Jul 08, 202512 min

NAIDOC: Celebrating First Nations excellence

Ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trailblazers have been celebrated for excellence in their chosen fields at the national NAIDOC Week Awards in Perth. The annual awards ceremony honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who make outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond.

Jul 07, 202510 min

Newsflash: 7 July 2025

Victoria's new anti-hate taskforce to stop hate behaviour; Gaza talks as Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu visits the US; and, in sport, Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel wins stage two of the Tour de France.

Jul 07, 20254 min

The Betrayal: Third comic book in The Mighty Assyrians series

Following the success of his two volumes of The Mighty Assyrians, Tony Shalalo returns with the third instalment in the series, titled The Betrayal. Shalalo says that this edition focuses on the tragic assassination of Assyrian Patriarch Mar Benyamin Shimoun and dozens of his bodyguards by the Kurdish tribal leader Simko on 3 March, 1918. Through powerful storytelling and vivid illustrations, he and his team bring to life one of the darkest chapters in Assyrian history, capturing its historical ...

Jul 06, 20258 min

The Betrayal: A Graphic Novel recounts the assassination of Patriarch Mar Benyamin Shimoun

Following the success of the first three volumes of The Mighty Assyrians, Tony Shalalo returns with the fourth instalment in the series, titled The Betrayal. Mr Shalalo says that this edition focuses on the tragic assassination of Assyrian Patriarch Mar Benyamin Shimoun and dozens of his bodyguards by the Kurdish tribal leader Simko on March 3, 1918. Through powerful storytelling and vivid illustrations, Tony and his team bring to life one of the darkest chapters in Assyrian history, capturing i...

Jul 06, 202524 min

The charm and talent of poet Marina Benjamin

The Assyrian Australian Association (AAA) extended an invitation to an esteemed Assyrian poet from the United States to lead a special poetry evening, highlighting her literary talents and the inspirational themes conveyed through her work. During the official launch of the Ashurbanipal Library, SBS Assyrian had the opportunity to speak with Marina Benjamin, to explore her artistic journey and the profound influence of poetry in the Assyrian language. Benjamin will appear at a poetry night organ...

Jul 06, 202514 min

SBS Assyrian: Weekly news wrap

Calls for a national scheme for working with vulnerable people checks; the jury in Erin Patterson's triple-murder trial will resume deliberations this morning; and, in tennis, Aussie Jordan Thompson is through to the third round at Wimbledon.

Jul 04, 202513 min

NSW government initiative: New washing machine for an old one

Oliver Slewa, founder of Shayna Humanitarian, spoke with SBS Assyrian about a new initiative by the NSW government that offers residents the opportunity to replace their old top-loader washing machines with new 8kg front-loaders at a significantly reduced price. The program aims to promote water conservation throughout the state. Slewa also shared his recent recognition through a Global Peace Award, which he received in honour of his ongoing efforts through Shayna Humanitarian to promote peace w...

Jul 03, 202510 min
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