Mildura Deputy Mayor Cyndi Power has resigned from the council, citing bullying and "choosing my health and sanity" over continuing in the position.
Ms Power announced the resignation in a post on social media, saying "no position is worth your mental health".
"Some may say I've let the bullies win, but I am choosing my health and sanity."
Ms Power has since deleted her councillor Facebook page and issued a statement thanking her supporters and asking for privacy.
"This decision was not made lightly, and was made due to personal reasons," she said.
"I thank the community members who elected me, my fellow councillors who supported me, and the wider community for allowing me to represent you as both councillor and deputy mayor over the past 17 months."
Female candidates targeted
Ms Power was among several female candidates for Mildura council to call out abuse against them at the last election.
In mid-2020, then-candidate for the Mildura Rural City Council Racheal Fyfe unexpectedly withdrew from the race, citing abuse including death threats.
At the same election, current councillor Helen Healy called out degrading vandalism of her election posters.
Another candidate, Mildura teacher Katie Clements, said she was threatened and one of her election corflutes was run over by a car.
'A difficult time'
In a statement on Monday, Mayor Liam Wood thanked Ms Power for her "tireless efforts" as a councillor.
"This is a difficult time for all councillors, and council as an organisation will continue to provide support when and as needed," he said.
"I would again like to thank Cyndi for her dedication to our community during her time as a councillor, and the many positive impacts and connections she has made.
"Her wellbeing is our paramount concern during this time, and we ask the community to respect Cyndi’s privacy."
Council position now vacant
Ms Power's departure creates a vacancy on the council and the deputy mayor position.
The candidate who appears most likely to fill the council vacancy is Katie Clements, who fell about 200 votes short of election in 2020.
A countback – essentially a recount of ballots from the last election – will be held to determine who will fill Ms Power's position, unless a by-election is required.
Mr Wood said council would now work with the Victorian Electoral Commission to determine the next steps.
He said councillors could elect a new deputy mayor in the near future.
