Shirley Andrews

Shirley Aldythea Marshall Seymour Andrews (5 November 1915 – 15 September 2001) was an Australian biochemist, dancer, researcher, and Aboriginal rights activist.

Early life and education Shirley Aldythea Andrews, In her first years at university she rented houses and apartments with her mother in the Melbourne area.

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.

Career Following her time at Melbourne University, Andrews joined the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in 1947, as a research officer. Later on, the organisation (CSIRO) became aware of a relationship that had developed between Andrews and Bill Bird, the secretary of the Seamen's Union. The ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) informed the CSIRO of the connection, causing Andrews to find it difficult to continue her works at the organisation. Andrews left the CSIRO in 1953. Her title was Senior Biochemist. She held this position for over twenty years, leaving in 1977. At Royal Park she tested lithium blood levels using a flame spectrophotometer. It was while working in this area that she discovered that bromureide (bromide) drugs — widely used as a tranquilliser at the time — instigated symptoms of mental illness. This led to significant reduction in the use of bromide. In 1965, she published her findings in an article in the Medical Journal of Australia. In 1969, Maurice Serry and Andrews published their research on the estimation of lithium levels in psychiatric patients. She retired from the hospital in 1977.

In 1951, Andrews became a founding member and secretary of the Council for Aboriginal Rights (CAR). The CAR was 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.

Personal life Andrews never married and never had children.

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 referred to herself as a liberated woman and believed strongly in women's rights. Two Hundred Years of Dancing, with Peter Ellis