Sarah Macdonald signs off from 702 ABC Radio Sydney

Sarah Macdonald joined Emma Crowe on ABC Radio Sydney’s morning show to farewell her audience after her contract was not renewed earlier this month.

She was not on air the last couple of weeks while she “found her strength” after the unexpected contract news.

“I have felt the overwhelming love and support from the audience, but I just had to be silent and retreat from the intensity of it all,” she said on air.

“I’ve really felt the love but I needed to find my strength.”

Macdonald, who joined the show by phone, said she is “proud of what the team and I have achieved and proud of the community we created… I thank the ABC for that opportunity.”

She described the ABC Sydney audience as some of the most “wonderful, funny, caring, intelligent people that have formed the mornings community at 702. They have taught me something new every day and it’s been honour to share the stories of Sydney and the world with such loyal and loving listeners.

“I thank and love these listeners more than words can say and I’m rarely without words.”

Asked if she will have a quiet life now, Macdonald said she will “pop up in new and various ways.”

She has an Instagram page, is intending to update her Facebook presence and is also exploring writing a Substack column.

“I haven’t done this show alone,” she said, thanking her regular production team, Yuske Aso, Michaela Morgan and Lyndall Bell, and the many staff who have worked with her over the years.

Sarah Macdonald to depart ABC Radio Sydney with her contract not renewed