SBS Assyrian

The Frontier Wars is a term often used to describe the more than 100 years of violent conflicts between colonial settlers and the Indigenous peoples that occurred during the British settlement of Australia. Even though Australia honours its involvement in wars fought overseas, it is yet to acknowledge the struggle that made it the country it is today.

On Sunday 12 May 2025, over fifty individuals congregated within the recently acquired and renovated Assyrian National Centre at Fairfield. Federal and state MPs, local council members, and leaders from the Assyrian community were present at the inauguration. Mr Hemis Shahin, President of ANC, expressed to SBS Assyrian that the opening marked the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration to establish a dedicated space for their organisation. He extended gratitude to the Federal government for its contribution towards acquiring the centre.

Dr. Muna Yako, leading the Human Rights Commission in the KRG, disclosed to SBS that her aspiration to erect the monument of Simele dates back many years. Despite her efforts, she noted a lack of support from Assyrian organisations in reaching an agreement to commence the project. However, Dr. Yako affirmed that the Governor of Duhok has essentially agreed to support and finance the endeavour. This is part one of the report from Naseem Sadiq. Part two will follow soon.

The Prime Minister heralds the upcoming budget as a 'true Labor budget'; Domestic violence offenders in New South Wales to find it harder to get released on bail ; And in tennis, Alja Tomljanovic makes a much-awaited comeback on the WTA circuit.

The government will introduce a cap on the number of international students universities can accept; the death toll from Israel's assault on Gaza reaches 35,000; and, in tennis; world number one, Novak Djokovic, has been defeated by Chile's Alejandro Tabilo at the Italian Open.

A man accused of stabbing an ex-partner outside inner-Sydney gym is arrested; Israeli military downplays rumours of tensions with U-S over Rafah offensive; And in sport, The Olympic flame has landed on French soil in time for Paris 2024.

Australia's government set to ramp up gas projects and support a transition to net zero by 2050; Fiji's former long-serving prime minister sentenced to a year in prison; and, in sport, coach Jo Yapp names her first Wallaroos team to take on Canada in the opening match of the Pacific Four series.

Candlelit vigils held across the country, honouring victims of domestic violence; Bonza appoints a voluntary administrator following sudden cancellations of flights; The South Sydney Rabbitohs announce the departure of club coach Jason Demetriou.

Residents in Gaza's city of Rafah react to new strikes following ceasefire hopes; Two senate committees to deliver findings into supermarket price gouging and a controversial deportation bill; and, in football, Crystal Palace thump Manchester United in 4-0 home victory.

Watch all the action on SBS and SBS On Demand as Malmö, Sweden, hosts the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

Another fire has ravaged the public market in the Kurdistan region, resulting in the destruction of millions of dollars' worth of property and merchandise. The incident occurred on Sunday, 5 May, at the Erbil Fortress Market, a popular tourist destination. Naseem Sadiq provides insight into the aftermath of this tragedy, detailing the impact on merchants and the government's response.

Assyrian entertainer and singer, Charles Tooma, reflects on his latest visit to the homeland in Northern Iraq and his concert in front of thousands of fans and spectators. He says that the people's reaction to him was unbelievable and will never forget the love and admiration he received there.

Solicitor, Oliver Slewa, worked as a policy officer in domestic violence for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. He talks about types of domestic violence that people face on a daily basis. He says domestic and family violence happens not only to partners but also to other members of families.

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine withdrawn from markets worldwide ; A western Sydney council bans a book from libraries containing same-sex parenting material ; And in sport, Four world-class Australian surfers selected for the Paris Olympics.

In Australia, authorities strongly advise against eating mushrooms that have not been expertly identified or purchased from a supermarket or grocer, as some fungi can be toxic or deadly if consumed. In each State and Territory, rules and regulations vary, and mushroom foraging is not allowed in some areas.

Perth's Muslim community is bracing for potential backlash following stabbing; Israel orders Al Jazeera to close its local operation; and, in sport, Bulldogs’ midfielder Tom Liberatore is under health review amid AFL drama.

Candlelit vigils held across the country, honouring victims of domestic violence; violent clashes break out between pro-Palestinian student protesters and counter-demonstrators in the United States: and, in football, Borussia Dortmund seals a 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain.

Australians have access to a quality and affordable public healthcare system. There's also the option to pay for private health insurance, allowing shorter waiting times and more choices when visiting hospitals and specialists.

The federal government to invest millions into a leaving domestic violence program following an emergency national cabinet meeting; Qantas investigates an issue with its app as several customers report having access to other people's data; and, in NRL, Daly Cherry-Evans narrowly avoids a three-match ban.

On 19 June, torrential rains inundated the city of Duhok, leading to extensive flooding and significant damage to residential and commercial properties. Mary Nisan, whose home was submerged and severely damaged, claims that despite a government promise of 10 million dinars in compensation, she had only received six million, which is around AUD$7,000.