Motorcycle club Highway 61’s Wellard headquarters targeted in suspected firebomb attack

A suspected firebomb attack has been launched on the headquarters of a motorcycle club with links to a notorious New Zealand gang. Highway 61 is not deemed an outlaw motorcycle gang in WA — but shares the same name as the New Zealand club. Their newly-established Wellard clubhouse was engulfed in flames about 8.15pm on Thursday, causing an estimated $400,000, according to police. Arson Squad detectives are treating the blaze as suspicious and are offering rewards up to $50,000 for information that leads to criminal conviction for those responsible. “Investigators urge anyone with information regarding this fire, or who has dash-cam vision of Millar Road between 8pm and 11pm, to call crime stoppers on 1800 333 00,” a police spokeswoman said. No one was inside the property at the time. It is understood WA Highway 61 members have told police they do not know why their property would be targeted in the attack. The New Zealand Highway 61 was once the country’s biggest bikie gang and is still considered one of their most dangerous. The gang first made headlines in the late 1970s when they brawled with members of rival club ‘Lost Breed’ at a Nelson Mardi Gras event. Four Highway 61 members were injured while 21 Lost Breed members were arrested. Nomads and Black Power clubmen have been murdered members by Highway 61 in New Zealand. Former-member Malcolm Rewa was sentenced to prison for 25 rape charges in 1998. In Australia, the gang has officially had chapters established on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and Sydney.