02/06/2026
Interesting article 🤔🙇♀️
Putting the ‘Smith’ into Smithfield
Every time you drive through Smithfield, do you ever wonder who actually put the "Smith" in the name?
The Gawler History Team is set to reveal the colourful history behind the suburb’s namesake in an upcoming presentation that promises tales of early settlement, overseas adventure, and even a famous elephant.
Guest speaker Robyn Heitman will present ‘Mr Smith of Smithfield’, diving into the fascinating, multi-layered life of John Smith—the man who quite literally put Smithfield on the map.
Arriving in South Australia from London aboard the ship Bardaster in 1839, John Smith was a man of many hats. He was a builder, a baker, a merchant, and a farmer. Recognizing the value of the route between Adelaide and Gawler, he purchased land and, in 1845, developed the Inn and Stockyard at Smiths Creek.
From 1847 to 1860, Smith served as the beloved publican of the Wheatsheaf Hotel at Smithfield, effectively founding the township we know today. He remained a local fixture until his death in 1877, and is buried in the Willaston Cemetery.
Elephants and Overseas escapades
Smith's life was far from a straightforward timeline of South Australian farming. Heitman’s talk will delve into the lesser-known chapters of his life, including his surprising emigration to New Zealand—and the dramatic events that unfolded there—before his eventual return to SA.
And then, of course, there is the matter of the elephant in the room (or rather shed)—a historical oddity that attendees will have to come along to hear about!
The presentation is backed by Heitman’s own colourful life and rich background in Australian history. Raised in Salisbury, she eventually found her way to Flinders University, where she earned a BA in Social Science with a heavy focus on local history.
Her varied career includes teaching and a memorable stint in the UK, where she volunteered at St Paul’s Cathedral, guiding school groups while humorously dressed as "the world’s oldest Virgin Mary." After a move to Canberra—where she earned an honourable mention in the EM Fletcher prize for family stories—she returned to South Australia. Today, the writer (who also pens under the names Tilley Baxter and Robyn Shortwoman) balances her historical research with gardening, crochet, and helping at her local Repair Café.History buffs, locals, and anyone who loves a good yarn are invited to hear the full story of Mr. Smith.
Presented by the Gawler History Team
When: Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 pm
Where: Zion Church Hall, Church Hill Cowan st
We ask for a $5 donation to help pay for hall hire insurance etc
