Politician, mayor, councillor, lawyer, and citizen – David Smith took on a multitude of roles throughout his career.
Mr Smith has become the proud recipient of an Order of Australia Medal, recognised by the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on June 11.
He told the Mail his successes would not have been possible without the support of his wife Tresslyn Smith, colleagues, family, and friends.
“I was initially inclined not to accept it but, when I think about it, it is as much of a compliment to the people that helped me, and worked for me or with me, for many years,” he said.
“With most things in life, you only get these things because of the efforts of other people.
“Those who have helped over the years will share in the achievement because, in many ways, it’s theirs.”
His journey began after graduating from the University of Western Australia in 1966.
Having been admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1968, Mr Smith practised law in Kalgoorlie for two years before returning to his home town of Bunbury in 1970.
He joined Slee Anderson and Pidgeon, and rose up to become partner in 1972 and then senior partner.
Mr Smith took on the roles and responsibilities of a City of Bunbury councillor from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, he was elected to parliament as the Member for Mitchell.
Throughout his time as Mitchell MLA, he also served as Public Accounts Committee of State Parliament chairman.
In 1989, Mr Smith tackled the challenges that came with being the Minister for Community Services, the South West, and Justice.
He later took on the roles reserved for the Planning and Local Government portfolios, serving as a minister up until 1993.
Among his many accomplishments as a minister, Mr Smith brought Freedom of Information Laws into Western Australia.
He worked tirelessly to set up Landcorp, the East Perth Redevelopment Authority, and the Peel Development Commission.
Mr Smith also strived to monitor the planning and implementation of the Bunbury 2000 project.
After returning to Bunbury once again, Mr Smith was a City of Bunbury councillor between 2001 and 2005.
His will to succeed helped him become City of Bunbury Mayor, fulfilling the role from 2005 to 2013.
During his eight-and-a-half years as mayor, he obtained funding for projects including the Hay Park athletics track, Hay Park Sports Pavilion, and Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.
Mr Smith encouraged everyone to stick to their goals and focus on what they believe in.
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