Speaking on behalf of the majority of the seven councillors that were dismissed in August, Chris Meddows-Taylor said misleading and damaging claims, which they weren’t afforded a response to, had affected the ex-councillors’ reputation among some in the community.

“To be selfish, we would like some recognition that what happened to us was unreasonable,” he said.

Related: Sacked council insulted by dishonesty claims

The group has also written a submission to the draft local government bill, currently being reviewed by the state government.

“We need a clear understanding of what is the responsibility of the chief executive officer and what is the responsibility of the councillors,” he said.

A number of systemic failures in the shire’s administration were uncovered through an investigation by Victoria’s Local Government Inspectorate last year.

A report by the inspectorate detailed extensive losses council incurred through the sale of certain assets, including a $285,000 loss on the Maryborough Primary School and a 15 per cent loss on a former abattoir site.

The former councillors have consistently maintained issues relating to the sale of council property were the responsibility of the CEO, and the group public servants were collateral in the bold decision to reform the shire.

“Everyone is aware there's got to be some change as a result of what happened in the Central Goldfields. We don’t want this to happen to anyone else again,” he said.

The shire will be run by three administrators – Noel Harvey, Hugh Delahunty and Karen Douglas – until council elections in October 2020, with Mr Harvey assuming the role of chairman. 

Mr Harvey, speaking to the Bendigo Advertiser earlier this year, said he was acting as an unofficial mayor of the shire while beginning the rebuild.

The Victorian Ombudsman has been contacted for comment.