ABC star Helen Tzarimas announces she's leaving the network

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A popular ABC radio presenter has shocked listeners by announcing she's leaving the broadcaster with 'mixed feelings' after almost two decades.

National news presenter Helen Tzarimas announced her shock departure from the airwaves on Friday morning.

'With mixed emotions, I am preparing to leave the ABC & say goodbye as your radio newsreader,' she tweeted.

'It's been a pleasure and a privilege to be a voice you've listened to for more than 18 years.

'My wish is that you remain informed, inspired, and above all, well.'

ABC news presenter Helen Tzarimas (right) is leaving the broadcaster after 18 years

She was inundated with messages from fellow broadcasters along with past and present colleagues.

'We will miss you! Thank you for all your wonderful work!' Julie McCrossin commented. 

Wendy Harmer added: 'Wow, what an innings, Ms Wonderful. Will miss your authoritative and lovely voice.'

Former Labor senator Cheryl Kernot wrote: 'I really appreciated the maturity of your news bulletins. You have the appropriate gravitas. Do hope the ABC finds someone similar to you.'

Listeners were also among the many well-wishers to pay tribute.

'I'm a current critic of the ABC, but I've been listening to you for what feels like forever. You've been a constant, reliable presence on the radio and I really appreciate your professionalism. It's a shame to see you're leaving and you'll be hard to replace,' one wrote.

Helen Tzarimas (pictured right with Richard Glover ) revealed on Friday she's leaving the ABC with mixed emotions

Tzarimas worked at the national broadcaster in a number of radio and television roles, including NSW Stateline.

Artist Justin Feuerring was so captivated Tzarimas' on-air work that he painted her portrait for the Archibald Prize in 2015. 

'It's an unusual feeling. It's flattering, it's overwhelming. And it's a really unusual feeling when you know that someone's going to depict their version of you,' she told the ABC at the time.

'I did feel a bit vulnerable, and when somebody comes into your life, into your home, and talks to you on such an intimate level... Painting someone is a really intimate thing.'