Southern Grampians Shire Councillor Katrina Rainsford has been suspended for one month, effective February 11th.
Mayor Dennis Heslin said an independent arbiter has found Ms Rainsford engaged in misconduct, breaching the Councillor Code of Conduct on six separate occasions between May and July last year.
The application for arbitration was made by the Mayor and five other councillors, relating to behaviour in various settings including a CEO facilitated meeting, a business forum, a press interview and in emails.
Arbiter Noel Harvey OAM described it as a “sustained course of conduct” inconsistent with standards of integrity and respect, though he acknowledged her strong commitment to community advocacy.
The arbiter noted that the suspension isn’t intended as punishment, but rather as an opportunity for reflection before resuming councillor duties. During this time, Ms Rainsford will be unable to represent constituents.