The bulk of the papers relate to Shirley McKechnie's involvement in the development of contemporary dance in Australia. The papers include correspondence, 1966-1996, a report of a 1974 study tour to investigate how dance is incorporated into the education system and a subsequent submission of the State College of Victoria Accreditation Committee, 1977, papers relating to a choreographic workshop at the University of New England, 1976, copies of papers presented at a dance education conference, 1977, papers relating to 'Canon for four dancers' which was choreographed by McKechnie, 1988, a report of a visit to China for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 1992, and papers relating to the first meeting of the Tertiary Dance Council of Australia, 1996. Also included in this collection are papers relating to McKechnie's involvement in the Green Mill Dance Project, 1991-1994, and her long association with both Dame Peggy van Praagh and Peter Brinson. There are posters, programs and brochures, 1956-1972, press cuttings, 1964-1996, photographs, and correspondence. Correspondents include Werdon Anglin, Peter Brinson, Lenton Parr, Gordon van Praagh, Peggy van Praagh, Ian Spink and Janet Vernon.