SBS Assyrian

On 23 April, 2023, Shayna Humanitarian hosted a Meet the Candidates forum, bringing together seven candidates from Family First, Labor, The Greens, One Nation, independent and libertarian parties. The event offered an opportunity for these candidates to engage directly with constituents from the electorates they seek to represent, discussing their party platforms and vision for the community. Throughout the forum, candidates responded to a wide range of questions on pressing issues including housing, healthcare, migration, and refugee policy. At the conclusion of the event, Oliver Slewa, founder of Shayna Humanitarian, spoke with SBS Assyrian to share the organisation’s motivation for coordinating the forum and its commitment to community engagement. This podcast has an Assyrian introduction with the remainder in English.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a three-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine ;Anti-gambling advocates criticise major parties' progress on gambling reform; in cricket, an Indian prodigy smashes a record-breaking I-P-L century.

A panel of undecided voters handed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a convincing win at the end of the fourth and final leaders' debate. With one week of campaigning remaining, the verdict of voters across Australia will be sealed on May 3.

The Prime Minister says he is concerned about a rise in online misogyny ; the cost of a ketamine nasal spray to treat depression to become cheaper for Australians.; and, in football, a goal from Australian Caitlin Foord helps Arsenal reach the Champions League final.

U-S President Donald Trump has again taken aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming his refusal to accept Russian occupation of Crimea for failure to end the Russia-Ukraine war. But Mr Zelenskyy says ceding the territory would be a violation of Ukraine's constitution.

The Coalition promises an additional $90 million to address family and domestic violence across Australia; cost-of-living pressures spark a surge in people seeking help from food charities ;and, in golf, superstar Hannah Green reveals a new weapon ahead of the first women's major of the year in Texas.

Pope Francis, the reforming head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. After 12 years of spiritual leadership over the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.His death has set in motion the centuries-old process of electing a new Pope.

Flags fly at half-mast in Australia to honour Pope Francis; funeral arrangements are organised for the pontiff; and, in swimming, Mollie O'Callaghan wins the 100-metre freestyle national title at the Australian Open Swimming Championships.

A date set for Pope Francis' funeral; the Coalition vows to increase defence spending if it wins the federal election; and, in sport, Meg Harris wins the 50-metre freestyle.

In this program, you will hear Mr Ashour Nona VP of the Assyrian Australian Association, talking about Assyrian participation in ANZAC Day; descendants of Assyrian Levies talking about the bravery of their fathers and grandfathers during WWII and a special feature about the death of Pope Francis.

The Assyrian Australian Association will proudly participate in the Anzac Day commemorative service at Canley Heights RSL on Friday, 25 April 2025. Speaking with SBS Assyrian, the Association’s Vice President, Mr. Ashour Nona, emphasised the profound importance of Anzac Day, describing it as a sacred occasion for all communities to unite in remembrance of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. Mr. Nona also paid tribute to the Assyrian soldiers who served alongside British and French forces, as well as the Assyrian Levies — a British-backed military unit established in the aftermath of the war to safeguard stability and maintain internal security in British-occupied Mesopotamia.

Oliver Slewa from Shayna Humanitarian talks about organising the Meet the Candidates event. Three candidates are competing for the seats of Fowler and McMahen. Federal election: Who is the labor Party

Early voting for the federal election set to begin; Israel's military releases the report from an investigation into the killing of Gaza medics; in sports, Oscar Piastri leads the F1 drivers' championship, after winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

What is the connection between the name of the Assyrian goddess Ishtar and Easter? Why do we break eggs on Easter Sunday? And how did the Easter Bunny become part of the celebration? In this exploration, we will delve into these questions and uncover the history behind the name “Easter” and the traditions that Christians around the world observe during this festive season.

A man armed with a knife shot dead by police in Melbourne; two people killed by the son of a law enforcement officer at Florida State University; and, in N-R-L, The Dragons defeat Manly as the Sea Eagles battle injury concerns.

First Nations organisations have called for a fair discussion of cutting government spending in the wake of comments from the opposition's efficiency spokesperson. Campaigning in Perth over the weekend, Senator Jacinta Price, the Coalition's shadow minister for both Indigenous Affairs and government efficiency, was asked about the areas in which the opposition intended to cut expenditure.

Party leaders clash over housing policy in the second leaders' debate; California the first U-S state to challenge President Trump's tariffs on constitutional grounds; and, in football, Newcastle triumph over Crystal Palace to take third place in the English Premier League.

Australia says it's 'engaging with Indonesia' as Russia requests access to an island military base; the Greens ditch a disco fundraiser on Anzac Day after accusations of disrespect; and in sport, a task force will support Afghan women's cricketers displaced by the Taliban regime.

Donald Trump announces 90-day global tariff pause, but raises tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 per cent; the Coalition releases further details on their gas policy: 17-year-old Australian breaks a 57-year-old record in the 100 metres.

US President threatens possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities; major party leaders defend housing policy amid criticism; and, in sport, Real Madrid midfielder becomes co-owner of Championship Club Swansea City.