Today’s news of the retirement of State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen was described as ’the end of an era’.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Ted Sorensen was a champion of the Hervey Bay community for more than 25 years and his retirement would signal the end of an era in local politics and community service.

“Ted was born and raised in Hervey Bay and he dedicated his life to the region. He owned a farm and raised his family there, became a local government councillor, then was elected as Mayor before his major role as State Member for Hervey Bay,” he said.

Mr Pitt said Ted was a tireless worker for the people and the city he loved.

“Most of his achievements were done quietly through perseverance and hard work behind the scenes. Ted never ranted and raved. He was a gentleman of politics that took on tough battles but in a quiet and determined way.

Perhaps one of his most notable achievements being his fight for a state-of-the-art, full service hospital for Hervey Bay residents.

“It is largely thanks to Ted’s work that we have Hervey Bay Hospital in the format it is now.

“Ted was so able to dedicate his life to community service because of the partnership he and wife Jenny forged which ensured that both of them attended meetings, fetes and functions together.

“I was heartened by the support Ted gave when I campaigned for the trial of the Cashless Debit Card in Hinkler. He was keen to see children and young people being supported by an initiative that would make sure there was food on the table and money to buy clothes at the end of every week.”