Toby Mitchell's rooftop party raided by police in Melbourne

Toby Mitchell, a former bikie boss, hosted a lavish rooftop party at the Cullen Hotel in Prahran, Melbourne, on September 21, 2023, to celebrate the birthday of bikie enforcer Mark Balsillie. The event featured free-flowing alcohol, an exotic dancer, and a performance by a drag queen. However, the party was interrupted when approximately 30 police officers arrived in response to a noise complaint, leading to the event's shutdown around 1 am. Mitchell claimed that the hotel had confirmed a guest limit of 70 people and that there were no time restrictions for the event. The police's intervention was prompted by complaints regarding loud music, which led to discussions with the occupants of the penthouse. Despite Mitchell's assertions about the party's legality, officers insisted that only four people were allowed in the room, resulting in the guests vacating the premises. The incident sparked controversy, with Mitchell expressing his frustration on social media, criticizing the police's actions and claiming he had email receipts to support his case. The party's atmosphere was further highlighted by a photo shared by Mitchell, which showed traces of an unknown white powder on a bench, although it was not suggested that the substance was illegal. The event's entertainment choices, including a drag queen performance, drew mixed reactions online, with some commentators noting the shift in entertainment preferences among bikies. Mitchell, who has a significant social media following, has previously made headlines for various reasons, including a viral photo with AFL stars Chris and Bec Judd. This incident adds to his notoriety and raises questions about the ongoing relationship between law enforcement and individuals with a history in organized crime.