Allison Baden Clay’s daughters make first public appearance in mother’s memory

ALLISON Baden-Clay’s two eldest daughters have made their first public appearance, to honour their mother as she was fondly remembered by family as an “amazing” and “inspirational” woman.

Allison Baden-Clay's two eldest daughters Hannah and Sarah, along with grandmother Priscilla Dickie, congratulate Taji Hennessy. Picture: Liam Kidston

• Allison’s family speaks out five years on

ALLISON Baden-Clay’s two eldest daughters have made their first public appearance to see a young ballerina awarded a scholarship in their mother’s name.

Hannah, 16, and Sarah, 14, accompanied their grandparents, Geoff and Priscilla Dickie, and aunt Vanessa Fowler, as the award was presented to Brisbane dance student Taji Hennessy.

Sarah Baden-Clay, 14, Geoff Dickie, and Hannah Baden-Clay, 16. Picture: Liam Kidston

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she hoped the $5000 scholarship would help Taji achieve her dream of becoming a professional ballerina.

“Last year my government established the Allison Baden-Clay senior program scholarship which honours the memory of Allison and supports young dancers from Queensland Ballet Dance Academy to pursue their dance dreams,” she said.

“I announced the scholarship in July, on Strive to be Kind day, the annual day held by the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, to commemorate Allison and to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and the need for respectful relationships.”

Allison was killed by her husband Gerard in 2012.

Allison’s sister, Vanessa Fowler, gave a heartfelt speech as Allison’s daughters looked on.

“Today is an exciting day as we see my sister and her legacy live on,” she said.

Allison Baden-Clay's two eldest daughters Sarah and Hannah, right, with the 2018 Allison Baden-Clay Scholarship recipient Taji Hennessy, left. Picture: Liam Kidston

“She’s assisting a young dancer to pursue her dream and strive to be the best that she can be.

“It’s on occasions like this that my family reflect on Allison’s achievements and celebrate her successes.

“She was an amazing woman and one that was, and still is, an inspiration to many.

.@QldBallet Academy student Taji is the inaugural recipient of the $5000 Allison Baden-Clay Senior Program Scholarship.

This new scholarship pays tribute to Allison’s love of dance and highlights the importance of nurturing our young people and developing their full potential. pic.twitter.com/bZEmvu71QK

— AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) March 10, 2018

“Allison was born to dance and excelled at it by the age of four. She had that spark, that bright smile, the soft arms and pointed feet and she filled the stage.

“Allison was the ever-feminine ballet dancer with spirited stage presence.”

Allison’s eldest daughter, Hannah, is also a talented ballerina.

Allison Baden-Clay's beautiful daughters, Sarah and Hannah, looking happy and healthy at the Queensland Ballet Studios where a scholarship was given in their mother's name. @couriermail pic.twitter.com/2vd453MsiD

— Kate Kyriacou (@KateKyriacou) March 10, 2018

Taji, the scholarship recipient, said she was very grateful to be the first person awarded the scholarship.

“It’s amazing, I’m so grateful,” she said.

“It’s my passion.”

Allison was murdered by her husband in 2012.

Scholarship recipient Taji Hennessy. Picture: Liam Kidston

After killing her, Gerard Baden-Clay left her body on the banks of the Kholo Creek, in Brisbane’s west, telling police she had gone for a walk and failed to return.

It is understood the girls have had no contact with their father in some years.

The $5000 Allison Baden-Clay scholarship will be awarded to a young dancer each year until 2020.

Allison Baden-Clay's two eldest daughters Sarah, 14, in blue, and Hannah, 16, in red, with their grandparents. Picture: Liam Kidston

Taji, the scholarship recipient, said she was very grateful to be the first person awarded the scholarship.

“It’s amazing, I’m so grateful,” she said.

“It’s my passion.”