Cr Vickers was found to have breached the Local Government Act in failing to disclose conflicts of interest on two occasions in 2018, relating to her interest in Wistaria Tea Rooms.
The matter was one of four investigation outcomes against councillors that was noted at Tuesday's ordinary meeting, with others concerning Crs Wilson and Mackrell.
The tea rooms were a council-owned building leased to Vickers’ domestic partner, trading as Wistaria Tea Rooms, which Cr Vickers had a ‘substantial interest’ in.
The first instance was at a Campaspe Shire Council briefing session in May 2018 when Cr Vickers did not leave when an item regarding council-owned properties in the Port precinct was considered and did not disclose a conflict of interest.
It occurred again in June 2018 at a planning consultation meeting regarding 1 Hopwood Place.
Investigators also found evidence Cr Vickers did not disclose her interest in Wistaria in January and July 2017 and January 2018.
In written returns to investigators, Cr Vickers said she was a partner in Wistaria Cafe and had a business in the Port of Echuca area.
Cr Vickers also signed documents submitted to council concerning Wistaria as a proprietor.
Investigators said her involvement "might appear to raise a material conflict between her private interests and her public duty as a councillor".
Cr Vickers has been issued with written warnings for the breaches and should further breaches occur, prosecution could be considered.
The findings also stated allegations that Cr Vickers misused her position as councillor in using public funds or resources inappropriately, released confidential information to her partner and failing to disclose her interest in Wistaria Cafe in more recent ordinary returns, were not validated.
Investigators launched a separate inquiry and there was insufficient evidence Cr Vickers had committed perjury by making false statements in a declaration dated February 2019, the agency noted Cr Vickers' amended declaration, dated June 2019.
The initial declarations in February 2019 were "largely countered by documentary evidence (including bank records and application made by her to council) and evidence of witnesses".
When noting the report, Cr Vickers spoke to the motion.
‘‘I accept the inspectorate’s finding, unreservedly apologise to my fellow councillors, the ratepayers and the community of Campaspe Shire, and be assured my breach was not intentional,’’ she said.
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