Fifty representatives of groups including Victoria Police, state government agencies, GWMWater and Horsham, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera councils attended the IBAC forum at the Town Hall.

IBAC exposes corrupt conduct through investigations, and works to prevent corruption from occurring.

Chief executive Alistair MacLean said Thursday's forum was geared towards achieving the latter of these objectives.

"We've conducted a series of these forums across regional Victoria, where we discuss the risks for governments, councils and statutory bodies and how to address them through policies. It's not specifically aimed at any particular issues with Horsham," he said.

"Conflict of interest and how it is managed is a principle concern in regional areas.

"In small communities, people know each other and have several different roles - they can serve as a councillor and as president of a local sports club at the same time.

"If a council is making a decision about a grant program to local sporting facilities, it's important that any potential conflict between those two roles is addressed."

Mr MacLean said IBAC often received allegations from across Victoria a conflict had not been managed properly.

"For the community, these forums are about public confidence in the delivery of government services and that their money is being spent efficiently," he said.

"Corruption is not a victimless crime, it hurts all Victorians. It wastes our taxes and rates that should be used to operate and maintain public services."

IBAC defines corruption as the misuse of public power or position. The organisation stipulates this can include taking or offering bribes, dishonestly using influence, misusing information or material acquired at work or attempting to do any of these.

Mr MacLean said residents who believed corruption or a conflict of interest had taken place could call 1300 735 135 or visit the website https://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/reporting-corruption/report.

Mark Williams, managing director of GWMWater, presented at the forum, and said an empowered internal audit committee and reference checking were important controls for them in preventing misconduct.

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