Kingston's Women in Science
Published on 03 September 2025
The City of Kingston and former City of Moorabbin have been home to two locations of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
In Highett, the CSIRO occupied several hectares of the former RAAF site in Graham Road.
Further south in Aspendale, land on the old racecourse was developed for CSIRO’s meteorological laboratories.
In the early years of the national science agency, working life for women was very different. Women’s research papers were not published in their own name but instead, with the head of their section (always a man) accredited as the author. Despite their abilities, women faced obstacles in the early years.
When women married in the 1940s and 1950s, they were required to resign from their permanent position.
“When I married, menial tasks were assigned to me such as data recording – it was expected that I would give up my science career and start a family” - Valerie Goullet, Physicist
At Aspendale, it wasn’t until 1961 that the Division of Atmospheric Research appointed a female science graduate for the first time.
In Women's Health Week, we shine a light on some of the outstanding women scientists whose work in their time at CSIRO’s Highett Dairy Research Laboratories has made significant contributions to community health in Australia and internationally:
Mary Ann Augustin BSc (HONS), PhD
In a long CSIRO career, Dr Augustin was appointed as Chief Research Scientist for Agriculture and Food. Mary Ann is internationally recognised for the technological, commercial and public health impact of her research in oil microencapsulation technology.
Rachel Kenward BSc (Food Science and Technology)
Rachel primarily worked on enhancing milk proteins, including for infant formula and for certain health conditions. As a site Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Rachel was involved in the groundbreaking successful campaign to introduce funded childcare facilities on CSIRO sites.
Sandra Jefford BASc Hawksbury Agricultural College
Sandra’s family arrived from England with a British Friesian cattle herd. She commenced at the Highett laboratories as industry liaison officer and was involved with innovative milk solid research bringing health benefits worldwide. Sandra now manages a regenerative farm in Gippsland, focussed on organic, nutritious and chemical-free production.
Allison Williams (AssocDipFoodTech)
Allison’s long career at CSIRO includes work across many aspects of dairy/food science including whey proteins, probiotics and cheese. Her work involves the physical characterisation of dairy and plant proteins and effects on digestion models contributing to research for a healthier society.
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We have plenty of CSIRO publications available in our libraries, many based on the work of food scientists when at Highett.
Photo: Physicist Valerie Goullet and colleagues testing building materials at the CSIRO Division of Building Research in Graham Road, Highett, circa 1950. (VKCC14)