Shirley Aldythea Marshall Seymour Andrews was recognised throughout her life for her work as a biochemist, dancer, researcher and Aboriginal rights activist.
Early life and education
Andrews was born on November 5, 1915, to Doris Andrews and Arthur Andrews. Andrews grew up in Sandringham, Victoria, living with her mother, grandmother and uncle. She attended school at Miss Montford's school, in Sandringham, until the age of eleven. Later, she boarded at St Michael's grammar in St Kilda, Victoria. After graduating from St Michael's, Andrews enrolled in a science course at the University of Melbourne, from 1934 to 1937. In her first years at university she rented houses and apartments with her mother in the Melbourne area. Andrews also began to learn ballet during her time at university. She took lessons from Edouard Borovansky and later became interested in Australian folk dance. Andrews helped establish the folk dance society and the Victorian folk music club, meanwhile continuing her studies at university. She wrote a book on traditional dancing in Australia. After completing her bachelor of science degree, Andrews was offered a Caroline Kay scholarship to the veterinary school at Melbourne University. After accepting the scholarship offer, Andrews worked at the Veterinary School for six years, doing biochemical testing on animal tissue and fluids.
Careers
Following her time at Melbourne University, Andrews joined the CSIRO in 1947, as a research officer. Later on, the organisation became aware of a relationship that had developed between Andrews and the secretary of the Seamen's Union. The ASIO informed the CSIRO of the connection, causing Andrews to find it difficult to continue her works at the organisation. Andrews left the CSIRO in 1951.
In 1951, Andrews became a founding member and secretary of the Council for Aboriginal Rights. The CAR is a confederation striving for equal rights for Aborigines. The CAR also contributed to the establishment of the 1967 referendum, when Australia voted to count Aborigines in the census. Andrews worked tirelessly to provide a political focus on Aboriginal rights for the next 20 years.
Overview
Although Andrews preferred to work in the backroom, she was a self-confident leader. She showed these qualities and many more while working throughout her life to make significant changes to Australian society. Andrews called herself a 'liberated woman' and believed strongly in women's rights. She never married, nor did she have children, although she did have one significant relationship with Bill Bird, secretary of the Seamen's Union of Australia. Her choice to remain single and childless was a point of difference between her and her acquaintances.
