KOOYONG Lawn Tennis Club in the heart of Melbourne’s blueblood country was the venue for the Shipping Australia Victoria Branch Christmas lunch.

Guests included a cross-section of the shipping community including representatives of stevedores, tug and liner companies, ship agents and lawyers.

The event was held indoors, but guests were able to take in a venue that has hosted such legends as John Newcombe, Yvonne Goolagong-Cawley and Jimmy Connors.

Shipping Australia chief executive Rod Nairn gave a speech where he decried the lack of thought that has gone into the proposed Biosecurity Imports Levy.

After an excellent lunch, the gathering enjoyed a chortle thanks to the efforts of comedian Des Dowling, a former television presenter, who took the mickey out of many of those present.

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