SBS Assyrian

Russia and Australia investigating reports an Australian citizen has been captured fighting for Ukraine; fire danger and damaging wind warnings for Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales; and, in cricket, Melbourne heatwave leaves Australian captain uncertain ahead of Boxing Day Test.

South Australia authorities issue fire ban for parts of the state; The United Nations warns of a famine situation in Sudan, and, in cricket, Australia could be without their most important player for the Boxing Day Test

Travellers warned to be alert to the fire danger across Australia over the next 48 hours; Cyclone Tracy's impact on Darwin remembered 50 years on; and in, sailing, strong winds forecast for the start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

It was a big year for news around the world, but there are some stories that Australians in particular won't forget. Some will forever be etched in our memories as horrific tragedies, and others were celebrated by the nation.

Türkiye calls for an end to sanctions on Syria after a meeting with rebel leaders ; Victorian bushfires continue to burn out of control ; and in football, Real Madrid claims a comfortable win against Sevilla.

Over a hundred students from St. Mary's Church Assyrian Language School celebrated their graduation this year in a joyful ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of His Beatitude Mar Melis Zaia Metropolitan, church clergymen, and proud parents. The children delighted the audience with various song performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Outstanding students were also recognized and awarded for their achievements.

Australians return home from Vanuatu following a deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake; a ban on protests outside places of worship, under proposed laws in Victoria; and, in sports, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior named FIFA Player of the Year.

Australians face higher taxes and service cuts unless government addresses debt problem.; US and Arab mediators work to finalise Israel-Hamas agreement to end Gaza conflict; and, in cricket, heat begin title defence with dominant win over Stars at the M-C-G.

A rise in the death toll from an earthquake in Vanautu; Retired radio host Alan Jones to face court over assault allegations; Ukraine has taken responsibility for killing a senior Russian general; and, in cricket, Josh Hazlewood ruled out for the remainder of the Test series against India.

The newly elected secretary of the Assyrian Australian Association, Joe Joseph, shared details with SBS Assyrian about the Association's plans and projects for the upcoming year. A key priority is initiating the construction of a cultural centre, which will serve as a hub for cultural events, arts, a library, and other community activities. Mr. Joseph also highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand the Ashurbanipal Library's archive digitisation project and discussed the Nimrod Simono Scholarship as part of the Association's broader initiatives.

Concerns for the future of Syrian refugees after the fall of the Assad regime; A further deepening of defence and trade ties between Australia and Britain; and, in sport, Australia takes control of third test against India at the Gabba.

Hundreds - and possibly thousands - feared dead after a cyclone hits the French island of Mayotte; schools reopen in Syria; The Sydney Kings deliver a 93-81 NBL win over the Brisbane Bullets.

Australia among nations voting on a permanent Gaza ceasefire at the United Nations General Assembly; The Prime Minister makes an announcement on subsidised childcare; and, in sports, Football Australia says time is being taken to ensure the right person is selected as the next coach of the Matildas.

Australia is set to vote on a permanent Gaza ceasefire at the United Nations General Assembly;, a former U-S diplomat criticises Australia's position on repatriating Australian women and children from Syria ; and in sports, Australian tri-athlete Ashleigh Gentle says she relishes the chance to compete in New Zealand.

Ten extraordinary audio recordings illustrating Australia’s cultural and political landscape have been added to the National Film and Sound Archive’s Sounds of Australia collection. The 2024 additions include the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian to use recorded sound to document Aboriginal culture; hip hop; speeches; a theme tune; the launch of what is now SBS Audio; an advertising jingle for an iconic Australian beer; and the last known recording of a now-extinct species.

Australia’s multicultural broadcaster is set to establish a hub in a yet-to-be-determined location in Sydney’s west, the federal government announced on Sunday. The hub will feature a TV studio to host live audiences, radio and podcasting booths and a workspace to support production output. It comes following a feasibility study after which the government opted not to relocate SBS from its headquarters in Artarmon, in Sydney’s north.

US-based Jewish human rights organisation expected to issue a travel warning about risk of antisemitic attacks when visiting Australia; expenses for families with young children soar since 2021; and, in sport, Papua New Guinea's PM hopeful his country will gain entry to the NRL this Thursday.

Police search for the vandals who torched a car in Sydney, after spraying it with anti-Israel slogans; the Prime Minister makes an announcement on subsidised childcare [[in the first big steps towards universal and affordable childcare; and, in sports, Football Australia says time is being taken to ensure the right person is selected as the next coach of the Matildas.

The Assyrian National Council-Australia is organising a meeting in Sydney, inviting numerous Assyrian community organisations to address the implications of the Syrian regime's fall and the concerns of minorities in Syria regarding potential future leadership. Hermiz Shahen, President of the council, told SBS that the gathering seeks to discuss the fate and future of Assyrians and other minority groups in Syria amidst the ongoing uncertainties.

Youbert Lazar, a skilled calligrapher, was born in Iran. His passion for Persian calligraphy emerged at the age of 12, inspiring him to practice and study this intricate art form. After migrating to the United States, he delved into the study of the Assyrian language, which eventually led him to meet the late Issa Benyamin, regarded as the father of Assyrian calligraphy. Mr. Lazar considers Mr. Benyamin his mentor, crediting him with helping him refine his skills in Assyrian calligraphy. He hopes to inspire Assyrian youth to take a greater interest in this cultural art form and urges Assyrian organisations to support artists by hosting exhibitions and galleries.