Assyrian National Council - Australia Inc.

Meeting with Mayor Frank Carbone

The Assyrian National Council of Australia was pleased to meet with Mayor Frank Carbone of Fairfield City. During the meeting, the committee discussed a number of upcoming initiatives, including the Assyrian New Year Festival, which is held annually at the Fairfield Showground. Mayor Frank Carbone also highlighted the Council’s plans to expand the Fairfield Showground, including the development of new facilities and a multi-storey car park.

Fairfield remains the heart of the Assyrian Australian community, home to tens of thousands of Assyrians. It is always a pleasure to connect with the Mayor and continue strengthening the relationship between Council and our organisation.

For Immediate Release: On the Escalating Conflict in Iran

SYDNEY, NSW - 01/03/2026: The Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA) issues this statement in response to the rapidly escalating military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Multiple airstrikes have reportedly struck Tehran and other regions, with both the United States and Israel confirming active military engagement.

The Assyrians are a trans-national ethnic group, Indigenous to northwestern Iran and have inhabited the region for millennia.

Under the Islamic Republic, the Assyrians have endured systemic discrimination and oppressive policies that have suppressed their rights to self-determination.

Prior to 1979, the Assyrian population in Iran exceeded 200,000; today, fewer than 10,000 remain.

This dramatic decline reflects a long pattern of:

• Restrictions imposed under Islamic Sharia law

• Suppression of Christian religious practice and cultural expression

• Political marginalisation and exclusion from decision-making

• Pressure on Assyrian schools, churches, and community institutions

• Emigration driven by fear, insecurity, and lack of equal rights

Together, these conditions have placed the Assyrian community on the brink of disappearance within Iran.

The ANCA further notes that the consequences of the Iranian regime’s policies have not been confined within its borders.

The regime’s interventions into the geo-political landscape of the Middle East, support for armed groups, and destabilising strategies have contributed to insecurity and violence affecting Indigenous Assyrian and other communities.

These dynamics have accelerated displacement, weakened historic Assyrian presence, and deepened the humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable communities throughout the region.

The ANCA recognises that the present conflict is unfolding against a backdrop of decades of internal repression, regional destabilisation, and documented human rights violations by the Islamic Republic.

In this context, the ANCA:

• Acknowledges the stated objectives of the United States and Israel to confront threats posed by the Islamic Republic and to deter further destabilisation in the Middle East

• Recognises the suffering of the Iranian people, including Assyrians, who have endured decades of repression, economic hardship, and denial of fundamental freedoms

• Affirms the right of the Assyrian people to live in safety, dignity, and equality, free from religious discrimination and cultural erasure

• Emphasises that any future political transformation in Iran must include clear constitutional protections for Indigenous and minority communities, including the Assyrian people

The ANCA remains committed to defending the rights, cultural identity, and historical presence of the Assyrian nation.

As the situation evolves, the ANCA will continue to advocate for the protection of Assyrians in Iran, the preservation of their cultural and religious heritage, and lobby for a future in which Assyrians can live freely and securely in their ancestral lands.

In light of the historic moment now unfolding, the ANCA expresses its hope that these developments will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the peoples of Iran, one grounded in freedom, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

The ANCA recognises the determination of the international efforts led by the United States and Israel to confront a regime whose policies have brought decades of repression and instability.

In this spirit, we extend our solidarity to the Iranian people, including the Assyrian community, in their aspiration for a future defined by liberty, justice, and peaceful coexistence.

The ANCA expresses its sincere hope that the Iranian people may soon witness the dawn of a new era one that will be remembered as the moment when the path toward freedom and national renewal became possible.

Parliamentary Inquiry

On Thursday, 26th February 2026, Mr Dennis Suro appeared before a Parliamentary Inquiry in Canberra in his capacity as Community Manager. Representing the Assyrian National Council of Australia (ANCA), Mr Suro presented the organisation’s submission to the Australian Government regarding the continued designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In his address, Mr Suro outlined the serious security concerns associated with the IRGC’s activities, emphasising the broader implications for regional stability and the safety of diaspora communities, including Assyrians in Australia. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and consistent legal framework to address state-linked threats and safeguard Australia’s national security interests.

The submission reinforced ANCA’s ongoing commitment to advocating for the protection of vulnerable communities, both domestically and internationally, and underscored the organisation’s role in contributing to informed policy discussions at the federal level.

ASEAN Panel Discussion

The Assyrian National Council of Australia Inc. extends its sincere appreciation to the Australian South-East Asian Network (ASEAN) for the invitation to attend the Community Leaders Session held at Cabra-Vale Diggers Club.

The session, convened under the theme “Australian Values: Diversity Through Intercultural Dialogue,” brought together a diverse range of community leaders and representatives from across Sydney. It provided a valuable platform to engage in meaningful discussions on multiculturalism, social cohesion, and the vital role that respectful dialogue plays in fostering understanding between cultures.

We are proud that Mr Dennis Suro, President of The Young Assyrians and Community Manager of ANCA, represented the Assyrian Australian community as a panel speaker. His contribution highlighted the importance of cultural identity, community leadership, and the role of younger generations in preserving heritage while actively contributing to Australia’s broader social fabric.

The discussion reinforced the strength of Australia’s multicultural society, demonstrating how open dialogue and mutual respect can bridge communities and promote unity. Forums such as these are essential in ensuring that all voices are heard and that collaboration remains at the forefront of community engagement.

We thank ASEAN for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful initiative and commend its continued efforts in bringing communities together. The Assyrian National Council of Australia looks forward to further collaboration in advancing intercultural understanding, strengthening partnerships, and building a more cohesive and inclusive society.

Motion with Chris Bowen

On 23 January, the President of the Assyrian National Council of Australia, Mr Hermiz Shahen, and the Secretary, Mr Ramsin Edward, met with the Hon. Chris Bowen MP to discuss advancing a motion in the House of Representatives recognising Assyrians as a First Nation people of modern-day Iraq and as the Indigenous traditional custodians of their ancestral lands.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to outline the historical, cultural, and continuous connection of the Assyrian people to the Nineveh Plains and surrounding regions. Discussions focused on the significance of formal recognition within Australia’s parliamentary framework, both as a matter of historical truth and as a meaningful step in acknowledging the enduring identity and rights of the Assyrian people.

The conversation also highlighted the broader importance of such recognition in strengthening awareness, informing policy discussions, and supporting advocacy efforts for Assyrian communities both in Australia and internationally.

The Assyrian National Council of Australia remains committed to working constructively with government representatives to ensure that the history, identity, and contributions of the Assyrian people are formally recognised and respected.

Assyrian New Year Festival 2026/6776

The Assyrian National Council of Australia (ANCA), with the valued contributions of its subsidiary organisation, The Young Assyrians (TYA), proudly hosted the Assyrian New Year Festival 2026 (6776) on Sunday, 29 March at Fairfield Showground.

This year’s festival marked a historic milestone for the Assyrian Australian community, with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, in attendance, alongside the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of the Assyrian community within Australia’s national fabric and the significance of this cultural celebration.

Both leaders engaged with community stakeholders during a meet and greet before being formally welcomed into the festivities through participation in a traditional Assyrian folkloric dance, an enduring symbol of unity, heritage, and cultural pride. The event was further honoured by the attendance of distinguished dignitaries, elected representatives, community advocates, and leaders from a broad range of cultural and faith-based organisations.

Representatives from the Assyrian, Armenian, Greek, Jewish, Mandaean, and South-East Asian communities were present, reflecting the festival’s role as a powerful platform for intercultural engagement. The event continues to embody the spirit of multicultural Australia, bringing together diverse communities in a shared celebration of identity, heritage, and mutual respect.

Welcoming over 8,000 attendees, the festival delivered a vibrant and dynamic program that showcased the richness and depth of Assyrian culture. In his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, paid tribute to the Indigenous Assyrian people of Iraq, and recognised the significant contributions of Assyrian Australians to the nation’s social, cultural, and economic life.

Guests experienced a full day of celebration, including live musical performances, traditional dance displays, cultural exhibitions, and a diverse range of food and retail stalls. These elements combined to create an immersive and festive atmosphere that resonated with attendees of all ages.

The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, providing a fitting finale to a day of celebration and unity. Families, local residents, and visitors from across New South Wales gathered in a powerful moment that reflected the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of the Assyrian community.

This landmark event would not have been possible without the dedication and tireless efforts of volunteers, organisers, sponsors, and community members. Their collective commitment continues to ensure the preservation, promotion, and celebration of Assyrian culture for generations to come.

Statement from the President of the ANCA, Mr Hermiz Shahen

The 2026 Assyrian New Year Festival at Fairfield Showground marked one of the most significant cultural gatherings of our community in recent years, bringing together thousands in a vibrant celebration of identity, heritage, and unity. This year’s festival stood out not only for its scale and spirit, but also for the remarkable level of recognition it received from Australia’s national leadership. The Prime Minister of Australia attended in person, delivering a powerful message honouring the Assyrian people as one of the world’s oldest Indigenous cultures, acknowledging their resilience, and celebrating the proud place Assyrian Australians hold within the nation’s multicultural story.

His remarks highlighted the enduring legacy of ancient Mesopotamia, the strength of Assyrian identity through centuries of hardship, and the invaluable contributions our community continues to make to Australia. The presence of the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Angus Taylor, further underscored the broad respect and recognition the Assyrian community has earned across the Australian political landscape.

In addition to these distinguished guests, the festival received a series of warm and meaningful messages from federal and state officials. Among them was an especially significant letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose words extended beyond celebration to address the ongoing challenges facing Assyrians in Iraq.

Her message acknowledged the historical injustices, displacement, and threats to cultural survival that Assyrians continue to confront in their ancestral homeland. Importantly, she reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting the rights, safety, and cultural continuity of Assyrians in Iraq, recognising the importance of protecting vulnerable minorities and preserving the heritage of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. This acknowledgment reflects the growing awareness within Australian institutions of the need to safeguard the Assyrian presence in the Middle East and to support international efforts aimed at stability, security, and cultural rights.

These messages whether delivered from the stage or conveyed through official letters highlight the increasing visibility and influence of our community, and they reflect the tireless advocacy work carried out by the Assyrian National Council of Australia (ANCA). Through consistent engagement with government, media, and civil society, ANCA continues to champion the rights of Assyrians both in Australia and abroad, ensuring that our concerns, aspirations, and cultural identity remain present in national conversations. This year’s festival stands as a testament to that ongoing work.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who attended and supported this year’s celebration. A special acknowledgment goes to the dedicated committees of ANCA and TYA, whose months of planning, coordination, and commitment made this event possible. Equally, we honour the many volunteers young and old, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Without their passion and generosity, the success of this festival simply could not have been achieved. Their efforts embody the spirit of service and unity that continues to strengthen our community year after year.

As we welcome the Assyrian New Year 6776, we do so with pride in our heritage, gratitude for the recognition we have received, and renewed determination to preserve our identity for generations to come.

Letter from The Hon Penny Wong MP, Minister for Foreign Affaira