McCaig sought a leave of absence from the roles in the wake of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission into the Ballarat City Council. He was replaced by Scott McGrory. McCaig, 47, last month appeared at the Ballarat Magistrates Court charged with four counts of corruption.

“Work undertaken privately and professionally by Rik McCaig for Ballarat City Council are not relevant to Rik’s volunteer work for our community,” Bendigo International Madison chairman Warren Sinnott told the Bendigo Advertiser. “While the alleged incidents had nothing to do with the Bendigo International Madison or any of Rik’s work on the committee, the committee has accepted Rik’s request for a leave of absence at this time.” 

McCaig will return to court next month alongside another three accused including former Ballarat council worker Lukas Carey.