Cash is king or is it? – heated debate for fundraiser
Online banking. Paypass. Buy now pay later. Every day the world becomes even more of a cashless society and will continue into the future.
This is the subject of Port Douglas State School’s major fundraiser ‘The Great Debate’ at the Clink Theatre on August 12, teachers versus parents.
Ella Bennett is a teacher aide at the school and along with the P&C Committee is organising the debate that was a success last year raising $1000 for both their committee and the Clink Theatre Committee.
“Much of these funds goes towards our whole school swimming program – which is a huge cost,” she said.
The cost covers buses to transport 240 odd children to and from the Sheraton pool over four weeks and then to Mossman for our swimming carnival.
“This year our three teachers are arguing that 'A cashless society is the way of the future' while the parents team argue that 'Cash is King!.
“The 'players' on both teams were chosen for their wonderful creative talents, their ability to entertain and control a crowd, while being masters at arguing their stance on our very relevant topic.”
There are a few familiar faces returning from last year’s event including Jayson Cocks the cheeky and hilarious adjudicator, the vivacious wordsmith Sharon Timms and a duo of musical maestros led by Phillip Martin, who has been at Port Douglas State School since it's humble beginnings.
In what is shaping up to be a night full of laughs while raising funds the players bios are being posted on both the Clink Theatre's Facebook Page and the Port Douglas State School's P&C page, which brought quite a lot of amusement to this journo’s face when reading through and Ms Bennett added.
“We also have some fresh blood strutting the Clink boards this year.
“Rory Kelliher is the parents team Captain, and he may have to bring some of his normal day job, as a Port Douglas Fire Brigade Member, onto the stage to put out some fires.
A former Army Veteran, Kelliher is horrified at the thought of cancelling two-up on Anzac Day and replacing it with online betting.
“Bloody un-Australian. A society without cash is a society in chaos” he jokes.
“David Haratsis, a fellow father on the parent’s team, who if the small-town rumours are true may have a comedy background, or just tell bad dad jokes, time will tell,” Bennett comments.
The teacher’s team for this year’s edition is full of new theatrical faces led by the modest team captain Doug Barnes.
“He is joined by Miss Kelda Wray who is infamous in Port for her escape room antics here at PDSS and for hosting hundreds of children's parties, in various disguises, before studying to be a teacher.
“As well as Miss Jelena Edmonds who is the bright and bubbly, energetic and engaging face in the upper year's classes here at PDSS who heads our healthy eats team while secretly hoping for a Duke's Donut sponsorship deal.”
There will also be auctions on the night with some amazing prizes donated by supportive local businesses.
The Great Debate will start at 7PM on Friday 12th August at the Clink Theatre with bars open from 6PM.
Tickets available for $25 online through the Clink website www.clinktheatre.com.au.
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