The Western Advocate reported on Tuesday that Cr Rudge had received an anonymous letter in the mail warning her to quit council within seven days or risk having a previous battle with some mental health problems exposed publicly.

Cr Rudge refused to be intimidated by the blackmail and instead used the opportunity to go public with her own story and encourage others who might be having trouble to seek support.

"I'm not embarrassed by this, if anything it's made me stronger than ever," Cr Rudge said.

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A number of councillors expressed their support for Cr Rudge on Tuesday, saying it was sad that such personal attacks were one of the risks of seeking public office.

Mayor Bobby Bourke, who brought Cr Rudge on to council as the number two on his ticket at the 2017 election, said it was a disturbing development.

"I have had plenty of people target me over my years on council and I've had threats as well, but it's something you don't want to see," Cr Bourke said.

"It's very disturbing when you receive something like this and I understand where Jacqui is coming from and what she might be feeling.

"I can't say it doesn't affect you but it just depends on how you deal with it."

Cr Bourke admitted anonymous threats and harassment had made him think twice about why he was on council - but only briefly.

"In the end I just tell myself they're just a few idiots while I'm here to represent the whole community," he said. "I'm not going to let them win."

Cr Monica Morse said she feared the threat to Cr Rudge might deter potential women candidates from running for council.

"Right now I can't think why any woman would run for council given the conflict between councillors that has been reported on and now anonymous letters," she said.

"Sadly, though, when you put yourself in a public arena like we do as councillors then these things can happen.

"But we need women to run for council because women need to have a voice. We make up half the community and we must have a voice on council."

Cr Morse will hold a workshop in the council chambers on March 30 for any women interested in running for council.

Cr Graeme Hanger said it was "reprehensible" that anyone would send such a letter to a councillor.

"It's just impossible to understand why somebody would do that," he said. "It's just not in the spirit of the game."