Explore every episode of the podcast SBS Assyrian

Australia Day, celebrated annually on 26 January, has been a national public holiday since 1994. While some Australians enjoy barbecues and citizenship ceremonies, others—particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—view it as a day of mourning, referred to as Invasion Day or Survival Day. This reflects ongoing debates about the date's significance, given its historical associations with British colonization.

In 2021, the second line in the Australian anthem was changed from ( For we are young and free) to (for we are one and free) to reflect the tens of thousands of Australia's history. SBS Assyrian carefully translated the lyrics into Assyrian to make them more understood by new Assyrian Australians.

Unconfirmed reports an Australian man has been killed by Russian forces in Ukraine; the Prime Minister says he wants to see people held to account for committing acts of antisemitism; and, in sport, Sam Kerr appears in a British court over alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.

Angry crowds throw mud at Spain's king in Valencia; an employer group brings a case on sleepover shifts to the Fair Work Commission, and, in sport, the Sydney Marathon becomes the seventh race in the world major series.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has confirmed it will conduct a new, independent review of Robodebt referrals. The agency earlier decided not to investigate six referrals of corruption in relation to the unlawful Robodebt scheme. But now, an inspector of the corruption watchdog has found the NACC Commissioner failed to properly remove himself from the decision-making process after declaring a conflict of interest.

An anti-abortion advocate banned from South Australia's Parliament; Australian women among hundreds to raise new allegations against the late owner of Harrods ; and, in tennis news, Australia's Alex de Minaur one step closer to the ATP finals playoff.

Every Australian citizen who is on the electoral roll can be called up for jury service. But what is involved if you get called to be a juror? And what is the role of a jury?

Report finds Australia’s climate worsening, urges faster emissions cuts; over 1,000 Indigenous rangers to protect land and sea Country with federal funding boost; and, in tennis, Alex de Minaur and Holger Rune advance to the Paris Masters third round.

Jazz drummer and composer Evan Yako is finalising preparations for his upcoming concert at the Sydney Opera House on November 30. The event will showcase a selection of international songs, reinterpreted and performed in Assyrian by three renowned Assyrian singers. A highlight of the concert will be a modern take on Raweh — an ancient form of Assyrian music — blending tradition with contemporary composition.

Support being offered to the Melbourne school community impacted by a deadly crash; the US urges Israel to reconsider its UNRWA ban; and, in sport, Ukraine’s Premier League holds its first full season with fans since the start of Russia's invasion.

Joe Joseph, Secretary of the Assyrian Australian Association, speaks with SBS Assyrian about preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Tiqlat Assyrian School. He highlights the Australian government’s support for multiculturalism and its contributions toward various cultural projects and initiatives undertaken by the association.

A new report reveals that sexual harassment awareness is still low in Australian companies; concerns that a fitness app could be used to track the movements of world leaders online; and, in sport, the Matildas beat Germany in their international friendly.

How can we help raise children to be respectful partners when social media has such a strong influence? Learn how to talk to young people and encourage open conversations to ensure that we end gender-based violence.

SBS Assyrian is featuring a series on the life and accomplishments of renowned Assyrian poet, writer, and tenor Yousip Bet Yousip. In this episode, Bet Yousip reflects on his childhood and shares how his parents played a pivotal role in shaping his love for his nation and character.

Learn how to communicate when using public transport, particularly when there are disruptions.

Nora Betyousef Lacey, founder of the Assyrian Arts Institute in the USA, recently visited Australia to discuss the challenges and dedication required to stage the Gilgamesh opera including the time-consuming selection process, the effort invested in building the sets, and the importance of engaging as many Assyrian professional talents as possible in the production. The world premiere will take place in Los Angeles county at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on 28 March, 2026.

A man killed in a crash police say is a tragedy beyond belief; Antony Blinken and Israel's Defence Minister meet for ceasefire talks; and, in sport, Australia still confident of a memorable Commonwealth Games in a pared-back program.

Building a house in Australia is a dream for many, but what are the essential steps to achieving it? While buying an existing home may seem straightforward, the process of purchasing land and constructing your own house requires careful planning and consideration. Here's how you can navigate building your own home in Australia.

Mark Dreyfus accuses the Opposition and Greens of politicising Gaza; Donald Trump sued for defamation by the Central Park Five; and, in sport, the AFLW to play in Darwin this week for the historic Indigenous Round.

The 2024 United States Presidential Election has been unlike any other. With one candidate claiming he should have won the last election, and the other candidate stepping in after the incumbent President withdrew from the race, it's been nothing if not unusual. And the media's approach to those two very different personalities is a significant factor in the way people decide to vote. This is the first episode of the SBS Series - US Election Unplugged.

Misinformation and disinformation were rife during the referendum. The effects are still being felt a year on.

Compensation for Qantas workers sacked during the pandemic; the United States investigates the unauthorised release of classified documents; and, in sport, New Zealand celebrates their women cricketers winning their first Twenty20 World Cup title.

Israel says Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed in the Gaza Strip; police search for three gunmen after a shooting in Western Sydney; and, in sport, Australia's domination of women's cricket comes to an end.

A report documents racism in Australia; the country's birth rate falls to the lowest level in 17 years; and, in cricket, there is still a chance Alyssa Healy could play in the T20 World Cup semi-final.

STARTTS, in collaboration with the Fairfield City Museum, is hosting a workshop designed for individuals interested in learning the art of creating traditional Assyrian wedding accessories and essentials. Marel Parono, coordinator from STARTTS, shares insights into the aims and objectives of this project, emphasising its role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering community connections.

Misinformation and disinformation were rife during the referendum. The effects are still being felt a year on.

The government imposes more targeted sanctions on five Iranians; diplomatic ties between Canada and India rapidly deteriorate as the two nations expel each other's top diplomats; and, in sport, the Socceroos hope to break new ground against Japan.

Nora Betyousif Lacey, founder of the Assyrian Arts Institute, shares insights into preparations for staging the opera adaptation of the 'Epic of Gilgamesh', in Los Angeles, at the end of March 2026. With a budget exceeding $1 million, Lacey discusses the process of selecting the composer and stage director, as well as the formation of a cultural advisory committee to ensure the production accurately reflects the epic’s cultural and historical significance.

Migration agent and interpreting service provider Valentine Aghajani discusses the Victorian Electoral Commission's initiative to establish a multilingual hotline to guide people through the postal voting process. She also highlights a letter sent to the Department of Immigration, raising concerns about delays in issuing visas for approved Assyrian refugees in Lebanon, hindering their relocation to Australia .

Did you know that one in five children is at risk of dying from a disease that is now preventable through vaccination? Australia’s vaccination program helps to prevent severe outcomes from many childhood infections. To access family support payments—and in some states, childcare services—your child must be fully immunised according to the national schedule.

The government reveals a new measure to stop companies from ripping off consumers; people are urged to avoid an eastern Sydney beach after mysterious black balls wash up; and, in sport, the Socceroos have scraped through with a one-all draw with Japan in a World Cup qualifier.

Embracing their oral traditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used art as a medium to pass down their cultural stories, spiritual beliefs, and essential knowledge of the land.

A sheriff says a third assassination attempt against Donald Trump has been thwarted; a new plan announced to prepare Australia for the expected arrival of a deadly variant of bird flu: and, in tennis, Jannik Sinner cements his position at the top of the ATP standings.

The Gaza Health Ministry is reporting over 42,000 deaths and nearly 98,000 injuries since 7 October last year. This comes as Israeli air strikes in Gaza and Lebanon continue, while US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discuss how to retaliate for Iran's strikes on Israel.

Government sponsored flights out of Lebanon coming to an end... Israeli air strikes on Beirut kill 18, injure 92: and, in sport, Supercars legend Jamie Whincup determined to secure a fifth Bathurst 1000 win.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has declared that the Liberal party is "back in town" at his unofficial campaign launch in Melbourne's east on 12 January. Dutton says cost of living, nuclear power and migration will be on top of his party's agenda if the Liberals win the election.

A senior staffer for Richard Marles raises bullying allegations; US President Joe Biden speaks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in weeks; and, in cycling news, frustration for Australian champion Grace Brown in the final week of her career.

Learn how to describe social team sports and choose one that is right for you.

Are you seeking a truly impactful Australian travel experience? Whether you’re seeking wilderness, food, art or luxury, there are plenty of First Nations tourism adventure that you can explore, led by someone with 65,000 years of connection to this land. Not only will you deepen your experience, but you’ll help drive cultural and economic opportunities for First Nations communities.

Woodlands Ward candidate Joseph Haweil discussed postal voting in the Victoria local elections with SBS Assyrian. He outlined the postal voting process, how to correctly complete the ballot papers, and the deadline for submitting votes by mail. Other candidates from Melbourne's Assyrian/Chaldean community include Sargon Thomas, Sam Misho and Sahar Ageed who are running in the Roxburgh Park Ward; Linda Hanna for the Tullamarine Ward; and John Hadad for the Bababi Marning Ward.

A new report finds Australia is unprepared for the security threat arising from climate change; hundreds of Australians fleeing Lebanon return home on government's first repatriation flight; and, in sport, the AFL trade period begins.

The World Health Organisation says at least 28 medics have been killed in Lebanon as Israel's invasion continues; Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli vows to resign if he can't tackle youth crime; and, in sport, another win for Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham Hotspur side.

The one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel marked in Australia; more Australians evacuated from Lebanon but thousands remain; and, in sport, the Panthers celebrate with fans after winning their fourth straight NRL premiership.

For first-time borrowers, the home loan application process can feel overwhelming. Learn the basics around interest rates, the application process and government support you may be eligible for in Australia.

Israel says eight of its soldiers have been killed in fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon; Fatima Payman set to form her own political party within weeks; and, in NRL, the best players and biggest moments of the 2024 season honoured at the Dally M Awards ceremony.

Israel vows to retaliate after Iran launches missiles; New South Wales Police says safety concerns have prompted it to seek court orders to block pro-Palestinian protests; and, in Formula One, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reveals the circumstances behind Daniel Ricciardo's departure.

Qatar presents Israel and Hamas with a ceasefire draft as negotiations reach a breakthrough; immigration detention facility found to be illegally holding detainees in cells without water; and, in tennis, Nick Kyrgios's grand slam return at the Australian Open ends abruptly.

The Assyrian Australian Association (AAA) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Assyrian School in November 2024. Established in 1974 with just eight students, the school has educated thousands over the past five decades. Many former students have become language teachers, interpreters, and translators, contributing to the preservation of the Assyrian language and culture. AAA Secretary Joe Joseph spoke to SBS Assyrian, highlighting the school's crucial role in maintaining the language, heritage, and history of the Assyrian community in Sydney.

Fire response services across Australia say they are on alert as the official bushfire season begins; US says Israel has begun a ground incursion into Lebanon; and, in rugby league, Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona will miss Sunday night's NRL Grand Final, after failing to have his suspension overturned.

In this episode, poet and lyricist Nineb Lamassu shares why he shifted his writing style when composing songs for Assyrian singers. He explains the differences between writing poetry and songwriting and offers advice to Assyrian songwriters to explore poetry and literature from other cultures to broaden their creative horizons.