Sarah Macdonald will begin presenting the Afternoons programme on 702 ABC Sydney in March 2027, taking over the slot previously held by James Valentine.

She is not new to the station – she hosted the Mornings show from 2023 until 2024 before moving on to other projects.

Valentine, who presented the Afternoons show for more than two decades, died in April 2026 through voluntary assisted dying. Macdonald says his memory is the main reason she is returning.

“He’s going to be the patron saint of the show,” Macdonald told the ABC, adding that she wants the programme to reflect Valentine’s listener‑focused style and to honour his legacy.

ABC director of audio Ben Latimer welcomed the news, saying, “We’ve heard just how much 702 ABC Sydney listeners have missed Sarah, and I’m delighted she has agreed to return.”

For Macdonald, the comeback feels like a personal homecoming; she hopes the Afternoons slot will let her continue the spirit Valentine created while bringing her own voice to the audience.