After more than 4,500 bulletins, ABC New South Wales news presenter Juanita Phillips will sign off for good in September.

The veteran journalist joined the ABC 21 years ago, after working in Australia and abroad for CNN, the BBC and Network 10.

Phillips became a co-anchor of the public broadcaster’s NSW 7pm television news bulletin in 2002 before being appointed the main solo presenter the following year.

She announced the decision in a personal piece on Monday afternoon, referring to her desire for more personal time, as well as the organisation’s digital transformation.

Phillips said she wasn’t retiring but would take some time off to assess the next steps. 

A statement issued by ABC director of news Justin Stevens said Phillips would leave an “abiding legacy”.

“Live-to-air, in the studio and from the field, she has informed us about many of the biggest news events, always with her trademark clarity and calm,” Mr Stevens said.

He said she has been one of the organisation’s “most senior and respected editorial leaders” and thanked her, in particular, for her work to support women at the ABC.

“As well as her journalistic contribution, Juanita is a champion and trailblazer for gender equity and inclusion in the newsroom, with her advocacy benefiting many women at the ABC and throughout the media.”

Colleagues and public figures have paid tribute on social media to Phillips’s 45-year career.

Her Network 10 counterpart Sandra Sully said she was “one of the best”.

“Best wishes Juanita for whatever comes next,” Sully said.

Veteran broadcaster Margaret Throsby also praised her work.

“Maybe she represents a slowly disappearing era as the ABC goes digital,” she said on social media.

“Wishing you well, Juanita, and congratulations on a splendid career.”