Cr Atmaca was cleared last week of all allegations against him, which included bribery, misuse of council resources and misleading the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The department has cited "privacy reasons" for not revealing the identity of the accusers. The allegations were initially investigated by the Victorian Ombudsman and later by the state's local government investigations and compliance inspectorate.

Cr Atmaca told the Weekly his reputation had been "tarnished" by the allegations.

"There was comment by certain individuals that my legal team are looking at and I'll be taking action against those individuals for defamation and libel," he said.

"I've never been involved in anything like this and it's been a shocking experience. Most of the councillors have shown great support and it's fantastic that in the end justice prevailed."

Last February, the Weekly reported that Ombudsman George Brouwer was investigating allegations that Cr Atmaca received a $5000 bribe from a landlord to modify a planning permit for a takeaway shop in Campbellfield in 2010.

The inspectorate also cleared Cr Atmaca of the allegations of misuse of council resources to promote business interests in China, including using an official letterhead to invite foreign nationals to Australia to invest in his private business and meeting with potential investors in the business at Hume's offices.

Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell last year referred the matter to the inspectorate.

Last week, the inspectorate said it found no evidence to substantiate allegations of a bribe or breaches of the conflict of interest provisions of the Local Government Act.

The investigation highlighted the importance of councillors keeping their private interests and role in public office completely separate, it said.

Cr Atmaca said it had been an emotional year for him and his family.

"This type of investigation does affect you.

"A positive outlook and the belief you've done nothing wrong is the strongest factor that gets you through. From the outset I said all allegations were unfounded."