Cairns business leaders will take on the topic ‘is money the root of all evil?’ at the annual Great Debate, to be held at the Pullman International Ballroom on November 25.
One of the most popular events on the corporate calendar in Cairns, the Great Debate is hosted by the the Institute of Managers and Leaders and Cairns Business Women’s Club.
In 2016 the Great Debate will raise money for the Young Animal Protection Society (YAPS), a not-for-profit organisation that provides shelter for homeless cats and dogs in Cairns and the surrounding districts.
The role of money in our society is a complex one. Money allows for the easy exchange of goods and services and economic growth. Making money is a necessary part of business, but what happens when the bottom line becomes the top priority?
Answering this question for the affirmative team are Andrea Tunjic, a trained negotiator and HR expert who now runs her own company, People Strong; Jackie Seguin, Sales and Capability Manager at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank; and Chris Palmer, the Sales Manager at Skytrans Airlines. Coaching the positive team is John Walsh, the director of corporate aviation catering company Craviation
On the negative team are Gerlinda Stella, a personal stylist, image expert, speaker, fashion consultant and style specialist based in Cairns; Jesse Martin, the founder and CEO of Streets Movement Organisation; and Tyson Franklin, a podiatrist, entrepreneur and business mentor. Local marriage celebrant and past debater Leisel Pisani returns as a coach after two years in the role.
A Great Debate tradition requires the debaters to wear elaborate costumes, with Shrek, Mary Poppins and Marge Simpson gracing the stage in previous years. Buckets belonging to both team are placed on every table, and for every laugh audience members throw money into the according pot. “The giggles are what earn money for our charity at the end of the day,” says Pisani.
While the Great Debate is a light-hearted event, it requires serious preparation. The two teams have regular meetings in the months leading up to the debate. It’s a commitment of “fifty-plus hours in time and effort, tweaking speeches and practising,” says Pisani.
“We don’t like to give a lot away, because everything is secretive between the two teams. It’s all going to be tongue in cheek and a lot of fun.”
12pm, November 25, 2016
The Pullman International Cairns, 17 Abbott St, Cairns