Melbourne shipping ball was a generous

MORE than 700 people attended the Melbourne shipping industry’s black-tie ball at Docklands recently. Guests partied to the Royal Australian Navy band before magicians, impersonators and entertainers, including comedian Elliot Goblet and hosts Wilbur Wilde and John Blackman, did what they do best. John Wilkinson of Hamburg Sud was inducted into the Melbourne industry’s hall of fame. More than $20,000 was raised and will this year be donated to the Motor Neuron Disease Association. Motor Neuron Disease occurs when the nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow, degenerate and die. With no nerves to activate them, the muscles eventually weaken and waste away. Currently there are approx 1,200 cases in Australia, with 400 being diagnosed each year. With no known cause or cure, ongoing research is encouraging but requires constant funding. More information can be sought at: www.mnd.asm.au