SBS Assyrian

Calls for a national scheme for working with vulnerable people checks; the jury in Erin Patterson's triple-murder trial, will resume deliberations this morning; in sport, Aussie Jordan Thompson is through to the third round of Wimbledon...

Oliver Slewa, founder of Shayna Humanitarian, spoke with SBS Assyrian about a new initiative by the NSW government that offers residents the opportunity to replace their old top-loader washing machines with new 8kg front-loaders at a significantly reduced price. The program aims to promote water conservation throughout the state. Mr. Slewa also shared his recent recognition with the Global Peace Award, which he received in honour of his ongoing efforts through Shayna Humanitarian to promote peace worldwide. Click play to listen for more details.

In this program: Highlights from Assyria Day, Yousipos Sargis talks about his latest book, The History of Assyrian Drama and in Australia Explained: The alcohol culture in Australia.

Qantas warns customers to stay alert after major data breach; World Health Organisation calls for protection of medical evacuations after medical envoys damaged in Gaza; in skateboarding, Arisa Trew makes history with more Gold in the X Games.

Almost 30,000 people wake up without power as storms batter New South Wales ; controversial welfare reforms pass their first hurdle in the U-K : Alex de Minaur starts his Wimbledon campaign with a statement win.

The Assyrian National Council, in partnership with the Assyrian Youth group, organised this year’s Assyria Day, an initiative to encourage Assyrians in diaspora to return to their homeland. The event was attended by representatives from Federal, State, and Local governments, showing strong support for the community. Speaking to SBS Assyrian, ANC President Hermis Shahen, Assyrian Youth President Breteil David, and special guest Danny Sada from Northern Iraq shared insights on the day’s significance, emphasising its role in preserving Assyrian identity and inspiring future generations.

Severe storm conditions hit Australia's east coast; The Prime Minister says all efforts are being made to secure a meeting with Donald Trump; and, in tennis, defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz survives a first-round scare.

Albanese rules out an increase to defence spending as Penny Wong heads to the U-S; wildfires break out in France and Turkiye amid a heatwave in Europe; In football, the Matildas second game against Slovenia in Perth has resulted in a draw of 1-all.

This softcover book spans 300 pages and showcases an extensive visual archive, featuring over 700 photographs. These images capture a wide array of Assyrian theatrical moments, including stage performances, actors, dramatists, and detailed scenes from various productions. Mr. Sarkes emphasised that his work draws on years of data collection and thousands of archival images of Assyrian plays. The book will be officially launched during the opening ceremony of the Ashurbanipal Library on Tuesday, July 3rd.

The C-I-A says Iran's nuclear facilities were severely damaged in US strikes; the Opposition continues to push for Australia's defence spending to be lifted; and, in sport, the First Nations and Pasifika 15 rugby team announces its first five players

Australians arrive back home after being evacuated from Israel; the US to hold talks with Iran next week as Tehran votes to stop cooperating with the UN, and, in sport, another star out as the Montemurro era begins at the Matildas.

In this program: After the news bulletin, an interview with Marilyn Oshana about the Ashurbanipal Library opening. Dennis Suro from the Assyrian Youth is talking about Assyria Day. ALC feature about the suicide bombing at a Christian church in Damascus.

Donald Trump yet to decide on whether there will be a US strike against Iran; evacuation of Australians from Israel and Iran underway; and, in AFL, Fremantle claim victory, five matches in a row, with a resounding win against Essendon.

The Israel-Iran ceasefire holds; Scores of civilians killed in shooting at aid distribution centre in Gaza; in men's lawn hockey, the Kookaburras had nothing to laugh about in Berlin on Tuesday night as Germany stormed back to a 3-2 win.

Marilyn Oshana, team leader of the Ashurbanipal Library Project under the Assyrian Australian Association, told SBS that after years of dedicated effort, the new online Ashurbanipal Library will officially launch on 3 July 2025. According to Ms Oshana, the library now holds over 5,000 items, including books, journals, documents, and audiovisual materials. A significant portion of the printed collection has already been digitised. She also announced that two new books will be officially launched on the same day.

The Assyrian National Council is celebrating Assyria Day 2025 with a renewed spirit. The Young Assyrians, a dynamic youth-led initiative, are organising this year's celebration. Mr. Dennis Suru, the group's Vice President, spoke with SBS Assyrian to share insights into the goals and vision behind the event. He also outlined the program for this year’s theme: “Return to Ashor”, highlighting its political and cultural significance and the broader message of unity and heritage.

Frensh President Macron says bombs will not create regime chamnge in Iran; New statistics reveal one in eight Australian adults, and one in six children, are now living below the poverty line; and, in sport, Mixed news for Aussie women in the lead-up to Wimbledon

A suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus has killed at least 20 people and wounded more than 50, shattering Sunday Mass and reigniting fears over Syria’s fragile post-Assad security. The attack, reportedly carried out by an I-S militant, struck a congregation of 350 worshippers, leaving scenes of devastation and raising questions about the new government's ability to protect religious minorities. And a warning – some listeners may find this content distressing.

The full extent of damage from US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites still being assessed; safe and open airspace still a challenge in evacuating Australians from the Middle East; and, in sports, Mary Fowler nominated for two categories in the Professional Footballers' Association Awards.

Danny Sada was born and raised in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in California. Driven by a deep connection to his heritage, he made the life-changing decision to return permanently to his ancestral homeland of Bet-Nahrain. Now residing in Duhok, Danny works with a non-governmental organization called Return Org, which focuses on supporting Assyrian communities and facilitating their sustainable return and development in their native regions. Danny has been invited as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Assyria Day event, organized by the Assyrian National Council of Australia. At the event, he will share his personal journey back to Bet-Nahrain and highlight the mission and impact of Return Org.