POLICE have launched an investigation after an allegedly threatening voicemail, which sounded like "five minutes of repeated gunshots", was left on Newcastle Labor councillor Carol Duncan's phone.
Cr Duncan said she felt the behaviour had to be called out, after the voicemail, which was heard by the Newcastle Herald, was left on her council phone hours before the lord mayoral candidate forum on Thursday night.
"This is the experience of being a woman in local government and the lord mayor cops it 100 times more than I do," she said.
"It's when people don't call the behaviour out, whether in media, letters to the editor or social media, it just emboldens people who go further.
"I think five minutes of repeated gunshots on my phone is a step too far."
NSW Police confirmed Newcastle City Police District officers had launched an investigation in relation to "an alleged threatening phone call received by a 58-year-old woman".
Cr Duncan reported the incident to Newcastle police before she attended the candidates forum at City Hall.
Cr Duncan said while she considers herself to be a "fairly robust woman", the voicemail was an example of concerning behaviour descending to an "unacceptable" level.
"I do feel it's really important to add my voice to this part of the conversation, as we are coming up to elections it can get a bit mad," she said.
"It's important for us to be talking about the fact that it gets out of control."
Labor lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said any threatening behaviour was "unacceptable".
"Carol has been a visible leader for the city, the arts and live music and made such an impact," she said.
"No one should be threatened like this."
Cr Nelmes said she too has been at the receiving end of concerning behaviour.
She believes these types of incidents impact women's decisions to stand for local council.
"As a woman in public life fighting for my community and delivering change for my city, I have often been the subject of bullying and online harassment, threats to me and my family," Cr Nelmes said.
At Thursday night's forum Greens lord mayoral candidate and Cr Charlotte McCabe called out a lack of respect from the audience.
Cr McCabe said it was the second candidates forum she had attended where if her daughters were there she felt they would not pursue a career in local council.
Labor deputy mayor Declan Clausen also pointed out a "troubling narrative" he said diminished the hard work of Cr Nelmes, with her achievements being referred to as "vanity" or "glamour" projects.
As investigations continue, anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
