Oliver Slewa is a practising lawyer and previously worked as a policy officer at the Department of Justice. When handling complaints about hospitals, he directs attention to the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health as a key point of contact to advocate for improvements in healthcare delivery and seek accountability for any grievances experien…

Episode 203 - Emil Brikha - a former DJ, music producer, and spoken word artist turned dad. But not just any kind of dad, a stay-at-home Dad. Emil was born in Iran to Assyrian parents and raised in Sweden. He met the love of his life while living and working in Malta. As a self-described “odd man out” Emil talks to us about the intuitive decision w…

In May each year, Assyrians in the villages of the Ashrafya-Nineveh plains celebrate the Saint George festival. Traditionally, lambs are sacrificed and their meat cooked as part of the saint's memorial. Naseem Sadiq attended the festival and filed this report.

Oliver Slewa is a practising lawyer and previously worked as a policy officer for the Department of Justice. In discussions on complaints about doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, Slewa emphasises reaching out to oversight bodies including the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) and Victoria HCC.…

Oliver Slewa is a practising lawyer and previously worked as a policy officer for the Department of Justice. If you have grievances with builders, learn about recourse through agencies including Fair Trading New South Wales and Consumer Affairs Victoria. Oliver offers information about disputes and upholding your rights as consumers.…

Episode 201 - Meet Lisa Mirza Grotts, “The Golden Rules Gal,” a renowned etiquette expert, author, and public speaker. She has 25 years of experience in helping individuals navigate social situations to present themselves with confidence and poise. Lisa has gained recognition for her expertise in traditional and modern manners. She dispenses pearls…

The Assyrian traditional festivals commemorating Saint Mart Shmuni and her seven sons were held at St Shmuni Church in the Assyrian village of Kareguana in northern Iraq. This saint is said to have sacrificed herself and seven of her children for her belief in God. Naseem Sadiq attended the commemoration ceremony and met Chorbishop Pilipos Dawid Pi…

Lawyer Oliver Slewa explores avenues for addressing complaints within NSW government departments including education, housing, and social support services, highlighting engagement with the NSW Ombudsman and Victorian Ombudsman.

A bridge collapses on the main route for getting aid and equipment to the site of a Papua New Guinea landslide that buried at least 2,000 people; the United States government says they will not withdraw its military assistance for Israel, after their attacks in Rafah; and, in sport, American basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton dies.…

The federal government says Israel's fatal air strike in Rafah is horrific and unacceptable; a North Korean satellite launch fails; and, in tennis, at the French Open, Rafael Nadal loses, and a big-time women's match looms.

The Saint Narsai Medical Centre in Duhok provides free or low-cost treatment to needy Assyrians in Duhok with support from individual donors. Naseem Sadiq visited the centre and spoke with patients who expressed their gratitude for the services received.

This week is Reconciliation Week, marking two important dates in Australia's history for First Nations rights. This year's theme is "Now More Than Ever", encouraging Australians to come together to continue the fight for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while addressing issues that disproportionately affect their communit…

Australians are coffee-obsessed, so much so that Melbourne is often referred to as the coffee capital of the world. Getting your coffee order right is serious business, so let’s get you ordering coffee like a connoisseur.

First Nations advocates help amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in Australia. Here are some aspects to consider related to advocacy and “allyship” with First Nations communities.

Australia says it is ready to assist Papua New Guinea; Israeli airstrikes kill over 30 people in second day of attacks at Rafah; and, in sport, Maroons name Origin squad for game one.

Bird flu found at a second Victorian farm; An election called in Britain; The Matildas squad for their final warm-ups before the Olympics is picked

Learn how to talk about a death in the family.

A passenger has died aboard a Singapore Airlines flight during severe turbulence; the Israeli prime minister criticises the ICC chief prosecutor over arrest warrant; and, in sport, Mauricio Pochettino has left his job as Chelsea manager.

Learn how to talk about doing do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.

The government confirms evacuation flights for Australians stranded in New Caledonia; US President Joe Biden slams the international Criminal Court over its Israeli arrest warrants; and, in football, injury plagues the Matildas' squad ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Monday, 20 May this year, was World Bee Day. Lab tests showed that half the Australian honey on supermarket shelves had been "adulterated" or mixed with other substances. SBS Assyrian talked to bee keeper, Joe Joseph, who has years of experience making honey as a hobby. He says that new regulations and tests must be implemented so that the industry…

Nora Michael has been appointed as the new president of the Assyrian Aid Society (AAS) - Australia by its members. With over a decade of service to the AAS in various volunteer roles, Nora says she sees this as a new challenge and is committed to ensuring that the AAS remains focused on supporting Assyrians in Northern Iraq, particularly in continu…

On international Thalassemia Day on 8 May 2024, children with the blood disorder, caused when the body doesn't make enough of a protein called haemoglobin, were treated to a special event as they received gifts and entertainment from many sponsors, particularly Nada Jergis, who has been sponsoring this event for many years. Jergis said she apprecia…

Are you an expectant or new parent? You or your partner may experience the so-called ‘baby blues’ when your baby is born. But unpleasant symptoms are mild and temporary. Postnatal depression is different and can affect both parents. Knowing the difference and how to access support for yourself or your partner is crucial for your family’s wellbeing.…

Federal government defends budget cost of living relief after modest poll boost; rescue operation continues after a helicopter carrying Iran's president crashes; and, in sport, Manchester City wins a record fourth, straight Premier League title.

Four dead in New Caledonia riots; Slovakian Prime Minister shot in what's been described as a politically motivated assassination attempt, And in sport, Two rugby league fans banned for life over allegations of racial abuse.

Naseem Sadiq continues his interview with Dr Muna Yako about the erection of the Simele monument, which she said was challenging. The monument commemorates thousands of Assyrians massacred by the Iraqi army in 1933.

Online prescription provider MediSecure falls victim to major data breach; the unemployment rate rises to 4.1 per cent for April; and, in sport, Premier League clubs to examine dropping the use of VAR from next season.

Migrant and refugee communities have welcomed initiatives in the 2024 Federal Budget, but say more detail is needed on tailored strategies to reach members of the community. The measures targeting First Nations communities have also been applauded, but advocates say there is more work to be done.

Gender equality advocates welcome the government's changes to the stage three tax cuts; the Opposition warns the government's budget spending will fuel inflation; and, in tennis, Australian number one knocked out of the Italian Open.

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 tod…

On Sunday, 12 May 2025, over 50 people congregated within the recently acquired and renovated Assyrian National Centre (ANC) at Fairfield. Federal and state MPs, local council members, and leaders from the Assyrian community were present at the inauguration. Hemis Shahin, ANC president, said the opening marked the fulfilment of a long-held aspirati…

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 essentiall…

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 to 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.

The 747-page Barutha English to Syriac Dictionary was published after its author began compiling it in the 1970s to address the linguistic needs of the Assyrian community in Australia and worldwide.

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 mer…

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.…