To mark the debate’s 10-year anniversary, the night will feature the question: 2005-2014, 10 years on life’s better?

In 2005, John Howard was still the prime minister, Shapelle Corby was convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia and the Wests Tigers won the NRL premiership.

Fast forward 10 years and Tony Abbott has the top job, the iPhone has taken over the world and people can Tweet each other.

Mai-Wel CEO Pennie Kearney said she hoped the event would continue to build on its success.

“Ten years ago when it started it was just a fund-raiser but since then it has gained momentum every single year,” she said.

“It has now turned into an event that people love to come to; it really is a special event for Maitland.” 

“It is a fun and entertaining night and the different debaters bring a different audience and it is something that people want to come out to every year.”

While the identity of the celebrity debaters remains a mystery, Ms Kearney said it would be interesting to compare aspects of life over the 10 years.

“It [life] is certainly different,” she said.

“There are a lot of really fantastic things in life now, but I guess every time something new comes along you can lose something from the past.”

The Mai-Wel Celebrity Comedy Debate will be held on August 9 at Maitland Town Hall.

For tickets phone 4932 8599 or visit www.maiwel.com.au