Asylum Seekers Centre

Peter MacAdam has organised the Asylum Seekers Centre's annual Quiz Night fundraiser for the last five years

What is your role in the Quiz Night organisation? How did you get involved?

About five years ago, I was asked by the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) Board Member, Maya Cranitch, to attend a business lunch at the ASC. A business lunch conjures up thoughts of a ‘nice plated lunch’ accompanied by a glass or two of wine, but here at the ASC, we were offered very tasty sandwiches and water. It couldn’t have been a better, nor more appropriate introduction to an organisation which battles to fund its operations.

It was here that I first became involved with the ASC. I was moved by the stories of two of the centre’s clients: an architect from South America and one of Ethiopia’s leading surgeons, which prompted me to get involved.

‘There, but for the grace of God, go I’ … these people could be you or me in different circumstances.

Funding of the ASC’s activities is always difficult. I wrote a funding paper for the board’s consideration. This canvassed all sorts of fundraising possibilities thus the ASC Quiz Night was born. Having been involved in such fundraising throughout my daughters’ schooling, I offered to organise the event.

Why are you passionate about the issues?

Fortunately, those of us lucky enough to live in Australia are not at risk of persecution on account of our political views, religion, nationality or race. Sadly, the asylum seeker issue in Australia is driven by the media and political spin, so that these unfortunate people – who are lawfully exercising their right to seek asylum – are depicted as malingerers and queue jumpers. This is outrageous, and reflects serious misunderstandings about their situation and entitlements under international law. Unfortunately, far too many Australians have taken this negative view on board.

If you or I were in the position of having to seek asylum I would like to think an agency such as the ASC would be available to provide emotional, medical, educational, and family support for our basic needs.

How successful has the ASC quiz night been?

The ASC Quiz Night has become the – wait for it – Quiz Night of choice in Sydney! In its five-year history it has now been booked out for the past two years, and we also expect this to be the case this year on Friday 18 May. That is 500 people in attendance!

I am delighted that the organising committee is dedicated and selfless with their time to ensure the success of this important evening. The support from Tamara and the centre’s staff is also most appreciated.

What keeps you doing it?   

The aura of Quiz Night is one of surprise, great hilarity, competition and goodwill. The inimitable HG Nelson and Tony Squires exude great wit as they guide the competitors through the rounds of questions, interspersed with whistling competitions, games of chance, paper plane competitions, auctions, silent auctions and so on. The judges are the stern Richard and Michael Gates with their unbelievable computer scoring program projected onto large screens. Caricaturists draw caricatures of willing subjects to raise funds.

Behind the scenes we have an army of helpers. Quiz questions need to be written, prizes have to be found from willing donors (who we thank for their wonderful generosity) decor needs to be considered and acquired and then erected, we require cash counters and, raffle ticket sellers, quiz scorers, and a team of ‘runners’ to collect quiz sheets and money from the competing teams.

It’s a challenge.

And apart from organising all of the above elements, the committee’s annual challenge is to ensure we have a full house. A full house equates to maximum fundraising. We aim to raise between $35,000 and $40,000 net from these efforts. We’ve been pleased with the success of the Quiz Night, but we’d always like to increase our funds. So … if you have an idea, let us know via the ASC.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I guess I have always been involved in raising funds for worthwhile causes, but predominantly these have been at the schools where may daughters attended. And I seem to have always been involved in the organisation. For Quiz Nights, that’s sensible. I don't have to answer the questions!

Interviewer: Jessica Perrini