SBS Assyrian

Hermiz Shahen, President of the Assyrian National Council, spoke to SBS about the latest preparations for the Assyrian New Year 6776 celebrations, set to take place at Fairfield Showground. Mr Shahen confirmed that numerous dignitaries from Federal, State and Local governments are expected to attend the event, which will be held on Sunday, 29 March 2026.

Visions and Opinions is a new segment presented by Dr Michelle Shmoell (PhD), focusing on key issues affecting the Assyrian community. Each episode examines a specific topic, exploring its underlying causes and discussing potential strategies for support and healing. In this segment, we address the issue of trauma, which affects many Assyrians, and consider its origins as well as approaches toward recovery.

Government launches first-ever stand-alone domestic, family and sexual violence plan for First Nations women and children;Palestinians in Occupied West Bank warn expanding Israeli settlements could weaken hopes of a two-state solution;and in sport, Ukrainian athlete looks to wear helmet paying tribute to fellow athletes killed in Russian attacks.

A Danish app born out of Donald Trump’s Greenland rhetoric is turning everyday grocery shopping into a quiet act of protest. As shoppers scan products to see where their money really goes, technology, politics and consumer choice collide, revealing how global tensions can play out not in parliaments or protests, but in supermarket aisles.

The Israeli President arrives in Sydney, with protesters to march in defiance of a police order; A landslide win at the polls for Japan's ruling government; and in N-R-L news, Broncos prop Payne Haas to move to the Rabbitohs at the end of the year.

Following the latest interest rate rise, the Federal Government is facing renewed pressure from unions and economists to reform the 50 per cent Capital Gains Tax ((CGT)) discount, which critics label a "tax avoidance scheme" favouring the wealthiest Australians. While the Treasurer maintains a focus on housing supply, proponents of the reform argue that winding back these concessions could reclaim $20 billion in annual revenue and ease the cost-of-living crisis for the nation’s workforce.

In this program: Interview with Anwar Atto about the Assyrian college start of term; Feature about rise in interest rate and in Australia explained, how does IVF work in Australia.

Protests still planned despite restrictions ahead of Israeli president's visit; First day of a new round of negotiations over the war in Ukraine hailed as 'productiveand in sport, Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham named as the Australian flag-bearers for the Winter Olympics.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has ended a two-year hiatus by raising interest rates, sparking a fierce political debate over whether government spending or private demand is fuelling persistent inflation. While the Treasurer defends the budget and points to external pressures, the Opposition and the Greens argue that current policy settings are punishing everyday Australians and ignoring alternative economic levers'

Protest plans continue as police extend restrictions ahead of the Israeli president’s Sydney visit; Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son of Libya’s late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, has been killed ; and in football, Arsenal goes through to the English League Cup final.

Rate hike forecasted as Reserve Bank set to meet today; The US reduces tariffs on India following trade deal; and in sport, Soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo locked in dispute with Al-Nassr owners.

Mr Anwar Atto is one of the founders of the Assyrian Language College, established in 2016 and specifically designed for students aged 18 and over. In this interview, Mr Atto reflects on the college’s 10-year journey, the challenges faced along the way, and the efforts made to overcome obstacles and ensure the program’s success and continuity.

Iran's Supreme Leader is warning the United States that any attack on Iran could trigger regional conflict, as US naval presence in the region strengthens. As tensions mount over Iran's protest crackdown and a possible nuclear deal, the United States President says his plans hinge on the success or failure of a deal.

Fresh police search for Dezi Freeman at Mount Buffalo National Park; Pro-Palestine activists vow to make Israeli President uncomfortable during Australia visit; and in soccer Mary Fowler makes triumphant return as Manchester City thrash Chelsea 5–1.

The United States has sent what President Donald Trump has described as an armada of naval and military assets into the Middle East, placing American forces on heightened alert as tensions with Iran escalate. The move comes as protests spread across Iran, internet access is cut for millions, and a sharp exchange of threats and warnings unfolds between Washington and Tehran on social media and through diplomatic channels.

The US says it will apply pressure on Hamas to disarm as next phase of ceasefire reached; two cases of deadly Nipah virus confirmed in India;and in boxing, Tyson Fury to return to the ring in April.

In this program: Highlights from the HSC Achievers Awards organised by the Iraqi Australian University Graduates Forum. Carmen Lazar speaks about the 2026 Census and employment opportunities that support and assist the community, followed by Australia Explained, outlining how the Australian transport system works.

SBS Assyrian attended the 2025 HSC High Achievers ceremony, organised by the Iraqi Australian University Graduate Forum. The event recognised the outstanding accomplishments of more than 20 high-performing HSC students and university graduates. We spoke with the three top HSC award recipients, as well as the Forum’s founder, Dr Ahmad AlRubaie, about their achievements and the importance of academic excellence.

Records are broken by Australia's heatwave; The Doomsday Clock inches closer to midnght ; and in cycling, the hot weather causes the cancellation of two iconic cycle races

Carmen Lazar from the Assyrian Resource Centre spoke about the 2026 Census and highlighted the opportunity for community members to register as Census Field Officers. She explained that Field Officers will work door to door, assisting newly arrived members of the community to complete the Census form accurately and correctly.