SBS Assyrian

The UN uneasy over tensions in the Middle East; tributes flow for the rescue volunteers killed off the New South Wales north coast; and in sport, Carlton accepts its punishment over its on field handling of Elijah Hollands.

In this program, Oliver Slewa explains privacy in Australia, Assyrian American UFC fighter visiting the Assyrian community in Sydney and the Strait of Hormuz conflict.

Oliver Slewa explains the consumer rights in NSW. He talks about repairs, exchange or refund for a faulty product purchased and the 10-Day cool-off period, what happens when you change your mind or see a product unsuitable for your needs?. All these questions will be discussed. Please note: this interview is for general information only. If in doubt, consult your legal practitioner.

He is known in the sports arena as one of the best. Beneil Dariush is an Assyrian American who started making his strong presence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and has defeated many known champions in this sport. Recently he visited Sydney to meet the Assyrian community.

The federal government says a First Nations strategy is being developed to underpin reform to the NDIS; uncertainty for ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz amid attacks; and in football, Arsenal in the driver's seat to take the English Premier League title, after a Manchester City slip up.

Iran is threatening "long and painful strikes" on US regional positions if the United States conducts any new attacks on their soil. As a deadline fast approaches for US President Donald Trump to make the case for Congress to extend the war, there are questions around the future of a nearly month-long ceasefire. This uncertainty also felt around the world as the crucial global shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, remains an epicentre for the war's stalemate.

The United Arab Emirates has announced it will exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries - or OPEC - from May. Analysts say the decision reflects a growing rift with Saudi Arabia, and stronger ties with the United States. As XXX reports, any impact on oil prices is likely to be dampened by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is preparing to expand a naval blockade of Iran's ports, as it ramps up economic pressure to force Tehran back to nuclear negotiations. U-S President Donald Trump says the strategy is working, but Iran has condemned the move as an act of war and signalled it will respond. Despite claims of military success, divisions are growing in Congress over the cost, strategy and long-term consequences of the war.

UK PM Keir Starmer condemns "appalling" attack on two Jewish men; report from Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion to be released today; and in the NRL, The Women's State of Origin series kicks off tonight.

Qatar calls for a comprehensive peace deal in the Middle East; search resumes for missing girl in the NT; and in sport, the sacked Demons CEO considers legal action

In this program; Part two interview with Sam Darmo about the Simele Monument project; Feature about the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur Massacre; and in Australia Explained: how to save money during the fuel crisis

Iran proposes easing Strait of Hormuz blockade; Californian teacher charged with attempted assassination of U-S President; and in sport, The A-League finals series gets underway with two elimination finals.

It's been nearly 30 years since 35 people died and dozens more were injured in a shooting at Port Arthur, in southern Tasmania. [[anniversary 28 April]] The tragedy led to a mass buyback of more than half-a-million guns and other reforms to gun ownership. Australia hadn't seen a mass shooting anywhere near that scale in almost 30 years. until the attack at Bondi in December, when 15 people were killed. That attack renewed debate on gun control and proposed a new round of reforms across the country, including a new firearm buyback, tighter license requirements, limits on the number of firearms per person and a long-awaited National Firearms Register.

Australia invests 750 million dollars in defence vehicles; cCalls for a national investigation into the unexplained rise in road deaths; and in sport, multiple runners smash the two-hour marathon world record in London...

This 2016 interview features Gabi Georgis, founder of the Assyrian Levies march on ANZAC Day in Australia, explaining why the Assyrian regiment in Australia will no longer take part in the annual parade held on April 25 after one decade of participation.

More than one thousand parishioners, along with bishops representing numerous churches and various local, state, and federal officials, gathered to welcome the newly elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Mar Polis III Nona. SBS Assyrian highlighted the speeches and well-wishes offered by several guests, reflecting their appreciation for His Beatitude's achievements during his ten years of service as a bishop.

Donald Trump announces extension of ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon; Anthony Albanese defends NDIS reforms; and in AFL, Carlton coach Michael Voss says there's been amazing care and love shown for Elijah Hollands. .

Donald Trump extends Iran ceasefire with no end date as tensions and oil threats escalate; fourth man charged over Sydney grandfather's kidnap and murder in mistaken identity case; and in tennis, Venus Williams' losing streak hits nine with Madrid Open first-round exit.

In this program, an interview with Sam Darmo about the latest update from the Simele Memorial, an interview with the President of the Assyrian Aid Relief, Shushan Tower, about the latest activities and projects and in Australia Explained, the overlooked story: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service on ANZAC Day

This audio excerpt is taken from a video interview with Mr Sam Darmo of Assyrians for Justice, who spearheaded the Simele Martyrs Memorial project in Simele, Duhok. In the interview, Mr Darmo discusses in detail the proposal, planning process, and the Kurdistan Regional Government's approval and support for the memorial's sponsorship and construction. The full video interview will be published on the SBS Assyrian Facebook page very soon.

The Assyrian Aid Relief – Australia, an affiliate of the Assyrian Aid Society in Northern Iraq, has for decades supported Assyrian villages through vital community projects. These include providing electricity, developing irrigation systems, and helping fund teachers in Assyrian-language schools. More recently, the organisation has turned its attention to assisting residents of the village of Surka in Dohuk, who have built a new community hall and are now seeking support to furnish it. Chair of Assyrian Aid Relief – Australia, Shushan Tower, shares more.

One Nation support slips as Pauline Hanson claims major parties are copying the party's policies; a woman shot dead at Mexico's historic Teotihuacan pyramids; and in sport, Carlton's Elijah Hollands in hospital after mental health concerns.

US seizes Iranian ship in Gulf as Israel's prime minister says war not over yet; Support for One Nation dips in latest polls but remains ahead of Coalition; and in AFL, Melbourne stun Brisbane in two-point upset, spoil Neale's 300th game

U-S President Donald Trump continues to talk up prospects for an end to the war in the Middle East. In media interviews, he has told the world to watch out for an amazing two days ahead of new ceasefire talks, while U-S forces continue their blockade on vessels leaving Iranian ports.

A major fire to limit fuel production at one of Australia's last two oil refineries; States and territories bid for their own fuel reserves in the face of a supply crisis; and in football, FIFA insists Iran will play in the world cup this year, despite being at war with the host country...

Protests in Tehran over the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz; Passengers with Uber to pay a fuel surcharge; and in football, the World governing body FIFA urges Anthony Albanese to help build a permanent national football base.

The U-N says there's no military solution to the dispute in the Middle East; new data shows housing rental costs are still going up; and in sport; Paris Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid into the Champions League semi-finals

In this program, We discuss with the artist and a Deacon from the Assyrian Church of the East George Rasho, how he envisioned and executed his project about the Resurrection of Christ. Interview with Oliver Slewa about the NSW Youth Week and the Assyrian role in building a society. A feature about the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

George Rasho, the Creative Director behind a powerful exhibition inspired by the Resurrection of Christ, has brought to life a deeply spiritual and artistic vision under the backing of the Assyrian Church of the East. Blending faith with visual storytelling, the exhibition invites audiences into a journey of renewal, sacrifice, and divine triumph. A video reel produced by SBS Arabic Digital has resonated widely, drawing more than 1.2 million viewers and interactions and sparking profound engagement across not only the Assyrian community but also among diverse audiences. Speaking to SBS Assyrian, Mr Rasho reflected on the devotion, creativity and accurate craftsmanship that shaped this expressiv audiovisual work, describing it as both an artistic expression and an act of faith.

NSW Youth Week celebrates the energy, voice and creativity of young people across our communities. It starts from the 16th of April and ends on the 26th of April. This year's theme is: Dream. Dare. Do. Oliver Slewa discusses why this event was established and how youth, particularly Assyrians, can get involved by attending local events, sharing their stories, volunteering, and proudly promoting their language, culture, and identity throughout the week.

Marathon talks between the United States and Iran have failed to reach a deal to end the war, jeopardising a fragile two-week ceasefire. The collapse of peace negotiations, and U-S plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, have rattled an already-tense region and raised fears of renewed fighting.

After 16 years, Hungary has a new prime minister; Iran's navy chief dismisses Donald Trump's latest threat on the Strait of Hormuz; and in cycling, Belgian Wout van Aert [[Vout van Art]] wins the Paris-Roubaix title.

Vice-President JD Vance to lead the US in Iran ceasefire talks as troops stay on alert; Motorists warned fuel prices may stay high for months despite the pause in fighting; in sport, Rory McIlroy prepares to defend his title as US Masters Champion.

Mediation efforts ahead of Donald Trump's deadline on the Strait of Hormuz; Calls for a dedicated war crimes investigations unit, after the charging of Ben Roberts-Smith; and in golf, three-time runner-up Justin Rose is determined to finally win at the Augusta National.

In this program: Feature about the war in the Middle East; Australia Explained: Changing your career; SBS learn English; Australia biodiversity and diet in a multicultural society

Donald Trump targets Australia in fresh criticism over the Iran crisis; E-bike demand surges as commuters confront rising fuel prices; and in rugby league, Jock Madden seals a golden-point thriller to help the Tigers beat the Eels.

US President Donald Trump is ramping up his pressure on Iran in an expletive-laden post over the Strait of Hormuz closure. But Tehran is warning him over the threat, saying the strait will only open if transit revenues are partially set aside to compensate war damages. As strikes and military attacks continue to escalate in the region, it's unclear if there's an end in sight with the war in the Middle East.

Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates Donald Trump on the rescue of the missing American crew member in Iran; The Pope uses his first Easter speech to call for peace; and in the National Basketball League, The Sydney Kings clinch their sixth title, after defeating Adelaide.

Iran announces a wave of new attacks on Tel Aviv and in bases in Kuwait and Bahrain; NASA's first crewed lunar mission in fifty years is preparing to launch this morning; and in golf, the PGA tour voices support for Tiger Woods as he takes time out after arrest...

The celebration featured a vibrant parade, traditional music and dance performances, and a variety of cultural activities that reflected the rich heritage of the Assyrian people. Families and visitors enjoyed food stalls offering authentic cuisine, while community leaders highlighted the importance of preserving language, identity, and traditions for future generations. SBS Assyrian met members from the community and asked them, "What does the Assyrian New Year mean to them?"

On Sunday, 29 March 2026, the Assyrian community in Sydney celebrated the 6776 Assyrian New Year, which falls on 1 April each year. More than ten thousand people attended the festival. The event was also attended by many dignitaries representing federal, state, and local governments. Here are highlights of their speeches.

Global reactions grow against Israel's mandatory death penalty for Palestinians; Reserve Bank to ban surcharge fees for EFTPOS, Mastercard and Visa transactions ; and in sport, FIFA rejects Iran's request to have World Cup group matches shifted from USA to Mexico

After weeks of pressure over surging petrol prices, the federal government has cut the tax on fuel in half. It's a three-month measure costing the budget billions, as the Prime Minister steps out a four-part plan to respond to the conflict.

US President Trump says Iran's new leadership have been very reasonable as more US troops arrive in the region; Iranian parliament considers leaving Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and in sport, Melbourne Storm player Tui Kamikamica is in hospital following a suspected stroke.

In this program: Highlights from the Assyrian New Year; ALC feature about the fuel crisis; Australia Explaine, What does Easter mean for Australian; How Christians celebrate Easter, and where does the name Easter come from.

Israel declares it is expanding its occupation in southern Lebanon; calls for free public transport to be extended across Australia; and in basketball, the Sydney Kings one win away from a sixth NBL championship.

Australia shuts the door on Iranian visa holders; the US sends more mixed messages on war and peace in Iran; And in sport, More AFL clubs to be sued as ex-players join a landmark concussion case.

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.