ABC presenter Jon Faine has announced that after 23 years presenting his Mornings show on ABC Radio Melbourne, this will be his last year on air.

Returning from his summer break, Faine told his listeners at the start of his program this morning that he had joined the ABC 30 years ago to make The Law Report.

“Now I find I am presenting the Mornings show on ABC Radio Melbourne for the 23rd year – but it will be my last. I have told the ABC that when my present contract expires, I do not seek another. Time for someone else to have as much fun as I have had.”

“It is rare for someone who does my gig to get to choose the timing of their departure – instead of having it chosen for them. I never expected to be in this privileged role for anything like as long as I have been, and change is not something to be afraid of,” he said.

Acting Director of Regional and Local Judith Whelan confirmed that Faine had indicated late last year he was intending to make 2019 his last year with the ABC.

“We really appreciate Jon giving us plenty of warning regarding his decision to leave at the end of this year,” Ms Whelan said.

“It is a decision that is hard to live with. Jon is a unique broadcaster and one who will be extremely hard to replace,” she said.

Manager of ABC Radio Melbourne, Dina Rosendorff, said Jon’s early announcement meant that both ABC staff and his loyal audience would have plenty of time to get used to not hearing him on the airwaves next year.

“Jon is more than just a broadcaster to both his ABC colleagues and his audience,” Ms Rosendorff said.

“He has been a mentor and leader to many of his colleagues over his 23 years behind the mic as well as a trusted and reliable source of information and analysis on issues that affect all Victorians.”

Ms Rosendorff said now was not the time to farewell Jon. “He still has a year of reporting on our community and talking to the people who shape it. We will certainly be making the most of his skills in the coming year as we cover the 10th anniversary of the Black Saturday fires and a Federal Election.”

The ABC will announce Jon’s replacement towards the end of the year.