Profile: Dr Michael Llewellyn-Smith AM KStJ JP

Originally written for the University of Adelaide’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards

As an architect, town planner and city manager, Dr Michael Llewellyn-Smith AM KStJ JP has helped to shape cities in Australia and overseas.

During his time as Deputy City Planner of Sydney, Michael was responsible for the Woolloomooloo Action Plan where, for the first time in Australia, federal, state and local governments worked together with the community to retain and increase the residential population and improve the urban environment.

Later, as the City Planner of Adelaide, Michael again engaged the community to convert the City of Adelaide Planning Study into the first City Plan and its subsequent five yearly reviews.

“The City of Adelaide Planning Study was really at the cutting edge of a new approach to town planning in Australia,” he said.

“The results of some of the policy initiatives can be seen today, such as a significant increase in the residential population of the City.”

Michael holds a PhD, three Masters Degrees, an Honours Diploma in Architecture, and a Diploma in Local Government Administration. He was awarded an AM ‘for significant service to local government through the promotion of city and state relations and planning.’

He has been significantly involved in the higher education sector, serving in a number of roles within universities around the globe, including as a teacher, visiting guest lecturer, research fellow, Alumni Fellow and a member of The University of Adelaide Council.

Michael also changed the face of the University of Adelaide alumni community during his time as Chair of the Alumni Association.

“It’s important to recognise that the University is not only about research and teaching, it’s also about its people – students, staff and alumni. The alumni should be at the heart of everything the University does.”