SBS Assyrian

Australian hospitality venues consider a five per cent surcharge as fuel prices raise food costs; Iran claims it has evidence an enemy is planning to invade one of its islands; and in football, Senegal fights a decision to strip its team of its African Cup of Nations title...

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 Sunday, 29 March 2026.

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. Mr Dauda expressed great joy at seeing his work finally published and thanked the Athree Assyrian Centre for taking the initiative to support and publish his book.

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 heritage. Both highlighted the profound impact of the experience, emphasising how the exchange deepened their understanding of their roots and fostered a lasting bond between the two communities.

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.

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 raise awareness about the significance of this important day.

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 up at the gardens on the day of the event.

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

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 Daniella Marta Beniamen.

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.

Iranian women's soccer players are granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia; Turkey warns Iran as NATO intercepts a second ballistic missile in its airspace; and in sport, Matildas to play North Korea in the Asian Cup quarter finals...

Iran prepares to officially announce the country's new supreme leader; the pope urges dialogue to end violence in the Middle East; Matildas miss out on top spot in their Asian Cup group, after a draw against South Korea.

In this program; Oliver Slewa talks about the right of employees to get paid for hours on training on a job; ALC feature about Iran war and energy crisis, and in Australia Explained, Public Housing in Australia explained

US warns war is deepening with Iran, after striking naval ship in International waters; France urges Israel not to send ground troops into Lebanon as thousands of residents flee; and in sport, Australia to join Winter Paralympics opening ceremony, rejecting boycott over Russia's inclusion...

Oil prices across the globe have surged to multi-year highs, as the war in Iran expands into a broader regional conflict. A prolonged war risks disrupting energy supply chains, particularly as key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are effectively closed. Analysts say impacts are already being felt - and that has implications for the global economic outlook and inflation

Israel vows to use greater and additional force against Iran and Lebanon; Australians warned against panic-buying petrol as oil prices soar; and in sport, the bravery of Iran's women's soccer team commended as they prepare to face the Matildas.

In this episode, Oliver Slewa discusses the rights of an employee who undertakes a training period at work, and whether they are entitled to be paid for the hours spent in training.

European nations announce an unprecedented nuclear deterrence plan; the Prime Minister to meet with visiting Canadian leader Mark Carney today; and in Formula One, next month's tournaments in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia under threat over safety concerns.

Iran's succession plan underway after the killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ; A group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it launched exploding drone attacks and in football, Sam Kerr scores the winning goal of the Matildas' Asian Cup opener against the Philippines.

Iranian-Australians are expressing mixed emotions over the US-Israeli strikes in Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While many hope his death will lead to a free Iran, others say they don't believe that Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have good intentions.

In this Program; Interview with Marie Oraham about Nimrod Simono Scholarship, Oliver Slewa talking about Rental Bond in NSW, a feature about 4th anniversary on Ukraine War

Police probe a wider network after a Sydney grandfather's alleged kidnapping and murder; A record 129 journalists killed worldwide last year; And in sport, New Zealand strengthen semi-final hopes with dominant T20 World Cup win over Sri Lanka

The EU pledges continued support for Ukraine with new sanctions; The Prime Minister returns to his official residence after a bomb scare and in sport, Sam Kerr eyes a home crowd advantage as the Matildas target a second Asian Cup title.

Federal government says planning is underway for Australia's first high-speed rail line; Ukrainians mark four years of war; and in sport, Multiple football matches postponed after violence in Mexico.

The Rabi Nimrod Simono Scholarship Awards is a significant annual event recognising outstanding HSC students. High-achieving students receive a monetary prize to support their tertiary education. Mary Oraham, a member of the scholarship committee, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the scholarship's purpose, emphasising its importance and the goals behind its establishment. This year's eleven recipients have achieved ATAR from 99.5 to 99.1

Oliver Slewa explains the rules governing rental bonds in New South Wales (NSW). What are the rights and obligations of both tenants and landlords? Where is the bond money held? And under what circumstances can an agent or landlord refuse to refund the tenant's bond?

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war shows no sign of abating, with mounting casualties, continued strikes on civilian infrastructure and faltering ceasefire efforts. As global tributes mark the February 24 anniversary, calls are growing for stronger international action to apply pressure to Russia and bring an end to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

FBI leads investigation after Secret Service shoot an armed man at President Trump's Florida home; the man who risked his life to save others during the Bondi terror attack reflects on why he chose to act; and in football, Arsenal restore their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Eight skiers dead after an avalanche in California ; quarter of Australian workers can't name their super fund; and in sport, Ukraine says it will boycott the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games

In this program, Michelle Shamoell talking about Assyrian identity and name; a feature about the global demonstration about Iran; In Australia Explained, sunscreen and how to use it.

Concerns over an immigration debate as the Liberals mull a new policy; Eleven killed in new US strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats; and in sport, Australia to play Mexico in May ahead of the football World Cup.

In this episode, Michelle Shamoel (PhD: Anthropology and Social Science) speaks about identity, language, and names, and what they mean for Assyrian families today. She explains how Assyrians have protected their identity for thousands of years through culture, language, and strong community ties. Dr Shamoel encourages parents and young people to value their heritage, reminding listeners that speaking the language and keeping traditional names are powerful ways to honour the past while strengthening future generations.

Politicians from government and the opposition say they will not assist Australians trying to return from Syria; Israeli prosecutors plan to charge settler over killing of Palestinian activist; and in football, League One side Mansfield Town to host 14-time winners Arsenal in the FA Cup.

From Munich to Melbourne, hundreds of thousands have turned out to oppose Iran's clerical leadership in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters inside the country. While opinions differ over who should takeover the current regime, protesters all voiced their desire for an Iran free from oppression.

The fedeal opposition claims a fresh approach on immigration will heal divisions in the community; Russia takes more territory from Ukraine, just days before more peace talks ; and in cricket, India wins another politically-charged World Cup match against Pakistan.