Tribunal blocks ex-Rebels boss from greyhound racing over organised crime risk
A Victorian tribunal upheld a ban on Colin Websdale entering greyhound racing. This was because of his position in the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang.
Colin Websdale was a former state president of the Rebels motorcycle gang. In 2024, he applied to register as a greyhound trainer.
Greyhound Racing Victoria rejected him. They found he had a criminal history from 1981 to 2012.
This included weapons offences, drug possession, trafficking and assault. Websdale challenged the decision at tribunal but lost.
The tribunal found he still rides with the Rebels. He has added some significant patches to his vest.
He also maintains a position of standing. Tribunal member Elisabeth Wentworth ruled the risk was too high.
Other gang members might pressure him. They might use his racing registration to get into the sport.
This could be for race fixing, money laundering, extortion or drug trafficking. Police raids between 2006 and 2012 happened while Websdale was president.
They found dozens of firearms at Rebels properties in Bendigo.
- State president of Rebels motorcycle gang
- Former gang position
- 1981 to 2012, weapons and drugs offences
- Criminal span
Why it mattersThe decision protects greyhound racing from organised crime infiltration. This could involve fixing races, money laundering and violence.
AustraliaVictorian greyhound racing is shielded from one pathway for outlaw motorcycle gangs to exploit the industry.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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