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.…

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.

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 …

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.…

Protests in Austria as the country's far-right party takes the lead in the national election; an extension has been granted for the COVID inquiry; and, in cricket, Australia beat England to win the One Day International series.

Learn how to communicate about suspicious messages and scams.

Nineb Lamassu, Executive Director of the Peace Sustainable Foundation, discusses the naming of the foundation's youth cultural centre in Nineveh (Mosul), Iraq, the Qallaita Centre. The centre is named in honour of Qasha Yousip Qallaita, founder of the first Assyrian school in Mosul. Lamassu says he proposed the idea and persuaded the organisation’s…

Assyrians in the region of Nhala, northern Iraq, recently celebrated their annual festival in the village of Nahla. According to Maryam Shmoil, founder of Zabo Media and a noted activist, the three-day festival drew more than 2,000 Assyrians from the local area and Baghdad. Despite the celebrations being momentarily overshadowed by the sad news of …

Israel rejects calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah; the Tiwi Islands hosts a traditional healing ceremony for US marines killed last year near Darwin; and, in sport, Australian rider Grace Brown collects her second gold medal at the world cycling championships.

Australia's warm climate offers an abundant supply of solar energy year-round, making solar power an increasingly significant contributor to the nation's electricity supply. Learn what the requirements are for installing solar power systems in your home.

Israeli military kills 462 people in Lebanon as cross border attacks intensify; Foreign Minister Penny Wong calls for a new declaration on the protection of humanitarian personnel; And in sport, Patrick Cripps eyes AFL premiership after record-breaking Brownlow win.

UN Security Council to meet on Lebanon, as Israel and Hezbollah continue attacks on each other; inflation predicted to come down, but not enough to lower interest rates just yet; and, in cricket, Australia is beaten by England in the third men's one day international.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has labelled democracy our most precious national asset. But some people say it’s at risk.

On Sunday, 22 September, 2024, more than 700 people gathered at St. Hermizd Assyrian Church of the East in Greenfield Park, Sydney, for a memorial mass honouring the late Assyrian singer Evin Agassi. Agassi, 79, who passed away on 17 September, after battling illness, left a profound impact on Assyrian communities worldwide. His songs were a powerf…

World leaders pledge action for peace and sustainable development; a new report has been released on severe rental stress in Australia's capital cities and most regions; and, in football, UAE side Al Ain defeat Auckland City in the first round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The U-S central bank cuts official interest rates for the first time in more than four years; The Northern Territory pushes ahead with plans for the age of criminal responsibility.; And in sport, One of Italy's greatest football stars, Totò Schillaci, has died at the age of 59.

Dementia Action Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that affects over 410,000 Australians each year. Geriatrician Dr Mariam Joseph discusses the different types of dementia, how it is diagnosed, and treatments available for various forms of the condition.

The passing of singing legend, Evin Agassi, has left an emotional void in the hearts of Assyrians across the world. His music was not merely entertainment; it was a lifeline, a call to resilience and survival for his people. Each of his hundreds of songs carried a message of hope, perseverance, and deep connection to Assyrian identity. His voice no…

Exploding walkie-talkies kill 14 and injure at least 450 in new attacks across Lebanon; the US central bank cuts official interest rates for the first time in more than four years; and, in sport, one of Italy's greatest football stars, Salvatore 'Totò' Schillaci, has died at the age of 59.

Shared housing is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, as more people look to reduce rental costs. So, what key factors should you consider when searching for shared accommodation, and how can you avoid potential scams?

New research shows that just 30 per cent of retirement-age Australians have enough superannuation to retire comfortably. Experts are warning Australians to always ensure they're paid the right amount. For the 2.5 million Australians expecting to retire in the next decade, thoughts about how much is needed to fund retirement differ.…

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have met to discuss Ukraine as NATO considers allowing the country to strike deep inside Russian territory with Western weapons. While some NATO leaders say Ukraine has the legal and moral right to conduct these strikes, others warn there needs to be adequate consideration of the risk of…

Hezbollah blames Israel as exploding pagers kill at least nine people and injure nearly 3000 in Lebanon and Syria; the Australian Federal Police dismantle a global organised crime communications network set up to murder people and traffic drugs; and Scotland has come to the rescue of the Commonwealth Games offering to host the event in 2026.…

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has blasted the Greens for delaying its help to buy housing bill. A man suspected of trying to murder former U-S President Donald Trump has been charged with gun crimes. And in sports, Tom Sermanni takes over as the Matilda's interim coach as the hunt for a successor to Tony Gustavsson narrows down.…

Oliver Slewa is the policy project officer for the National Council of Churches—Australia. He recently returned from the Asian Ecumenical Institute (AEI) 2024 conference. Mr Slewa talks about the knowledge, experience and benefits of participating as the only Australian council delegate.

Donald Trump says he is safe, as the FBI investigates what it says "appears to be an attempted assassination"; eight people dead from torrential rain and flooding in central and eastern Europe; and, in sport, Australia's Oscar Piastri wins the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Two children die after a house fire in Melbourne; Six UNWRA staff killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza; And in sport; Australia's Paralympians already looking ahead to the next Games.

Nine Australian soldiers stripped of their awards after a war crimes investigation; United Nations says there's a lack of accountability for the killing of UN staff in Gaza; and, in sport, Australia beats the United Kingdom to win the first T-20 International at Southampton.

SBS Learn English will help you speak, understand and connect in Australia — view all episodes. This lesson is suitable for intermediate-level learners. After listening, test your knowledge with our quiz.

Astronomical knowledge of celestial objects influences and informs the life and law of First Nations people.

Australia's visa system criticised for shutting out Palestinians fleeing Gaza; A devastating report says the 72 deaths in the 2017 London Grenfell fire were all avoidable; And in sport, Para-cyclist Lauren Parker has become Australia's first dual-sport Paralympic medalist in 44 years.

There are calls to crack down on the sharing of misinformation online. But would this be an attack on free speech? - There are calls to crack down on the sharing of misinformation online. But would this be an attack on free speech?

There are calls to crack down on the sharing of misinformation online. But would this be an attack on free speech?

European countries impose new sanctions on Iran over Russia's war in Ukraine; newly released report calls for state and federal governments to reduce spending on infrastructure; and, in sport, Harry Kane steals the show with two goals on 100th cap in England win.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomes UK decision to reduce weapons exports to Israel; an Israeli strike on a refugee camp kills or wounds 65 Palestinians; and, in football, Arnold demands strong response from Socceroos after Bahrain defeat.

After three years on Fairfield City Council representing the ALP, Carmen Lazar is stepping down and not running in the upcoming elections. She claimed the party had failed to support key initiatives such as acquiring an MRI machine for Fairfield Hospital — a project only advanced after Mayor Frank Carbone gathered 11,000 signatures. Lazar's advice …

Australia has clear rules about when a car horn can and cannot be used. Unnecessarily beeping one's car horn is considered a traffic offence, for which drivers can cop a fine ranging from $50 to more than $400, depending on where you live. In addition, failure to pay an outstanding fine can also lead to additional penalties.…

The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will be released today; in Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis brings medicine, music, and a message of harmony; and Australians Ben O'Connor, Kaden Groves and Jay Vine all finish Vuelta a Espana on the podium.

The federal government claims a bad economic situation would be even worse without some of its spending; a push for more flexibility for renters; and, in tennis, Alex de Minaur eliminated from US Open men’s singles.

The federal government acknowledges the latest economic news will likely be bad; a Russian missile strike kills at least 51 people in Ukraine; and, in sport, Uruguay striker, Luis Suarez, announces his international retirement.

ASIO Director Mike Burgess says his comments on Palestinian visa vetting have been misconstrued; Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel must control the Philadelphi corridor; and, in sport, Rafael Nadal defends Jannik Sinner over doping allegations.

Understanding how dental care works in Australia can be crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. Learn how to access dental services, the costs involved, and some essential dental health tips to keep you and your family smile bright.

The Chaldean Cultural Lounge, in collaboration with the Chaldean Catholic Church in Melbourne, has arranged a lecture addressing marriage and divorce issues within diaspora communities. Writer and activist Youhana Bidaweed spoke with SBS, discussing the evolving dynamics of marriage relationships and their impact on families. He also elaborated on …

Evan Yako has surprised the community with the release of his new album, 6774 Assyria Ave Jazz Town, and a second concert at the Sydney Opera House on 30 November 2024. The album includes a fresh arrangement of the traditional Assyrian song Raweh and features three popular songs, originally in English, now translated and performed in both Assyrian …

The UN says the campaign to vaccinate Gaza's children against polio is underway; Israel's main union group has ordered a nationwide general strike; and, in sport, Australia celebrates its best day yet at the Paris Paralympic Games.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton hits back at the Treasurer's comments that he is the "most divisive" party leader; Temporary ceasefire in Gaza to allow medicine for children of Gaza; Thousands of construction union workers demonstrate in the capital streets of Australia