Allison was a devoted single mum, loving grandmother, admired friend and adored colleague at Curtin University for more than 15 years.
She was a passionate advocate for women and believed in the power of education to enrich the mind and embolden the heart. As a single mum, Allison was a wonderful role model for her daughter, Rachael and while working full time, Allison persisted with her own education, attaining her undergraduate degree in her late 40s.
In 2004 Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle that she would fiercely fight until her passing on the 18 March 2022. In the weeks leading to her passing, Allison shared her one last wish to establish a scholarship at Curtin to empower single mothers.
The Allison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship
Under Rachael’s guidance, the Allison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship was created to honour Allison’s legacy and help transform the lives of single mums and their children.
The Scholarship alleviates the financial burden for single mums in need by empowering them with financial support and resources, as they pursue their higher education degree.
The Allison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship promise includes:
- $10,000 per year for up to four years (or part time pro rata)
- Admittance to the Financial Literacy Workshop for Women
- Individualised support through Curtin Tax Clinic; and
- An online resource of relevant Curtin University support services.
2023 Scholarship Recipient
“The Allison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship is a beautiful legacy which I feel privileged to participate in…as both a single mother raising daughters of my own, and a daughter who was raised by a single mother, I find the ethos of this scholarship particularly poignant and lovely.”
– Jaala Smith, 2023 Allison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship recipient
Graduate Certificate in Sexology
Artwork dedicated to Allison
Felix (8), Untitled, 2024, paper, glue, pen and texters on A4 paper.
The artwork is created by Allison’s grandson, Felix (8) represents his interpretation of family and celebrates his love for his grandmother.
Allison and her three grandchildren
Obtaining a higher education degree ensures single mums gain the essential financial security needed to support their families’ immediate needs and secure their long-term economic security. The power of educated single mums will ripple through our wider community as they become role models for their children and break the systemic cycles of poverty for future generations to come.
The true impact on generations through a daughter’s eyes
“The opportunity this scholarship provides would have made a significant difference to our lives when mum was a single parent; working, studying and battling breast cancer. Knowing that other single mums and their families might not face the same struggles we did is incredibly meaningful. It brings some small comfort in the wake of losing mum.
Now, as a single mum myself, I understand firsthand how transformative this scholarship can be for families. Especially as I reflect on the night of Mum’s graduation and the feelings of immense pride I felt for her commitment to graduate, against all the odds!
On behalf of my Mum, myself and my children, Ziggy, Milo and Felix, thank you to all the donors who have contributed to the Allison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship so far. Our dream is to see the Mums Scholarship endowed and making a difference for eternity.”
– Rachael Taylor, Allison’s daughter
Thank you
Thank you to our founding donors for your commitment to Allison’s beautiful legacy and bringing her vision to life.
Contact Us
For further information, please contact Kaylee Nicholas, Development Executive – Scholarships
