The collection consists of correspondence, research material and photographs relating to the multiple elements of Shirley Andrews' life: her childhood, political activities, career as a biochemist, travel and involvement in traditional social dance (also known as folk, colonial or bush dancing) and folk music in Australia. Andrews was a member of the Communist Party (CPA) and the papers include notes and photographs dating from her CPA membership and a trip to Berlin and Eastern European countries in 1951. In the 1950-60s Andrews was active in the Aboriginal rights movement and there are papers relating to her involvement with the Council for Aboriginal Rights (Victoria) (CAR), the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI) and correspondence with Jessie Street, Charles Duguid and Ada Bromham, c.1957-1959.