Sarah and Hannah Baden Clay, now 14 and 16 respectively, have made a rare public appearance to see a young ballerina receive the inaugural $5000 Allison Baden-Clay Senior Program Scholarship.
Also in attendance at the event where the girl’s grandparents Geoff and Priscilla Dickie, and their Aunt.
The girl’s mother, Allison Baden Clay was allegedly abused and tormented by her husband for years before her dead body was discovered dumped in Kholo Creek bed on April 2012, just 14kms from the Brisbane home she shared with Gerard and their three daughters, then aged just 10, eight and five.
Her cause of death was never determined, but after a long and stressful trial, in 2014 her husband Gerard Baden-Clay was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife.
Despite being a beneficiary of her will, after being found guilty of foul play Allison’s entire life insurance went to her daughters.
The children reportedly have no contact with their father.
The scholarship was created by Allison’s family in honour of her love of dance.
Allison’s sister, the girl’s Aunt, made an emotional speech at the award ceremony.
“She was an amazing woman and one that was, and still is, an inspiration to many.”
“Today is an exciting day as we see my sister and her legacy live on,” Vanessa Fowler said in her address to the crowd.
“She’s assisting a young dancer to pursue her dream and strive to be the best that she can be.”
Taji was the young ballerina who received the award; she told reporters she was “‘so grateful” to be the first recipient.
Hannah, Allison’s eldest daughter, is also a Ballerina, continuing her mother’s love of the art.
