A few weeks ago, Rebels Motorcycle Club established a new chapter in Mildura.

Its president told local media that Mildura was chosen for its quiet, casual lifestyle, legitimate business opportunities, and weather:

“It’s a good place to raise a family. Many of us have friends in Mildura. We’re regular people who pay taxes – we’re no different to anyone else.” (Sunraysia Daily, 10/7/10)

Translated into English, he’s saying they have to leave Adelaide, where the South Australian Police and Attorney-General’s Department have moved to make Rebels a “declared” organisation under Organised Crime laws.

According to Mildura’s local paper, the Rebels leader has a history of involvement in gang-related shootings — being twice  jailed for gun-related offences in SA.

“His departure to Mildura has been welcomed by SA Police”. (Sunraysia Daily, 26/7/10)

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Having shifted to Victoria, they need to stay far from Melbourne where Deputy Police Commissioner, Sir Ken Jones, recently warned that criminal bikie gangs are being “closely monitored”.

Especially since Hells Angels members created a disturbance at the funeral of murdered Melbourne gangland figure, Macchour Chaouk.

Sir Ken Jones has talked to the State Government about outlawing crime-related bikie gangs.

Mr Brumby has been non-committal — but Opposition leader, Ted Baillieu, says he’s all for it.

Needing to leave SA, yet keeping as far from Melbourne as possible – no wonder  Mildura (550 km away) looks good to them.

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But Mildura’s BIG attraction — making Mildura almost HEAVEN ON EARTH for them — is the prospect of a Casino opening there.

Any serious lawbreaking group needs a Casino nearby, where takings from drug deals etc. can be laundered.

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If Mildura gets a Casino, the danger of its becoming a focal point for organised crime is real.

Criminal elements will be drawn there like iron filings to a magnet — like blowflies to a dead rat.

Mildura will become a most UNATTRACTIVE place for normal families to live in – or even to visit.