SBS Assyrian

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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-Armenian artist Charles Aznavour, highlighting the value of cross-cultural influence in artistic development.

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 freely. This event was more than just a poetry night—it was a celebration of culture, resilience, and the power of words.

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

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.

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.

Following the success of his two volumes of The Mighty Assyrians, Tony Shalalo returns with the third 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 its historical gravity with both artistic depth and factual detail.

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 its historical gravity with both artistic depth and factual detail.

The Assyrian Australian Association 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 Mrs. Benjami, conducting an interview that explored her artistic journey and the profound influence of poetry in the Assyrian language. Marina will appear in a poetry night organised by the AAA on Sunday 6/7/2025. SBS Assyrian will be there and will bring you the highlights soon.

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; in sport, Aussie Jordan Thompson is through to the third round of Wimbledon...