Katrina Dawson during her time at King & Wood Mallesons law firm in Sydney. Soon, they will announce the first recipients of the Katrina Dawson Foundation scholarships to Sydney University Women's College in January – the cornerstone of a suite of gifts for young women who are financially restrained from pursuing their dreams. "We had to try to do something to create a positive thing out of such horror, so to have come this far in 12 months I think actually, personally, it has helped," Sandy Dawson said. "From that quite unspecific determination to do something, it's translated into three young women who have extraordinary potential, suddenly having access to something they would never have had without us. And that's all about Katrina." Angus Dawson's wife Nikki has taken leave from her corporate career to be the foundation's chief executive, and the board is comprised of family – Paul Smith, Sandy and Angus, their parents Sandy, senior, and Jane – together with one of Katrina's mentors, top silk Jeremy Stoljar, SC. Former Governor General Quentin Bryce also provides invaluable assistance as the founding member.

Family of Katrina Dawson, who died during the Lindt Cafe siege last December. LtoR Sandy Dawson, Nikki Dawson, Angus Dawson, Alexander Dawson Snr, Jane Dawson and Paul Smith. Credit:James Brickwood. Nikki Dawson said the scholarship recipients will have Katrina's track record of academic excellence, display community leadership and require some financial assistance to pursue their dreams. "The foundation really is both a reflection of who Katrina was … but also what she would have wanted, because she was so aware of how fortunate she was with her education opportunities, so to be able to give those opportunities to others just does feel like a really nice combination," she said. Thousands of floral tributes left in Martin Place following the Lindt cafe siege in 2014. Credit:Getty Images Katrina's husband, Paul Smith, is a very hands-on chairman of the foundation, bringing his significant legal expertise to bear and fulfilling many of the organisational roles to help the project come to life. He's excited about finding and helping young women "who have Katrina's drive and passion and help provide them with opportunities to excel.

"I hope that the young women the foundation supports are inspired by Katrina's attitude to life – which was to make the most of every opportunity she had and to approach all aspects of her life with a sense of joyous energy that infected everyone she knew," he said. Ngaree Blow's studies have been boosted by a fellowship in Katrina Dawson's name. The foundation collaborates with Macquarie Group for a third scholarship, which includes potential for an internship and mentorship. And in addition, it has partnered with the Aurora Education Foundation to create three fellowships for postgraduate students for continuing study experiences like overseas trips. One of the first to receive a fellowship, Ngaree Blow, is studying a Doctor of Medicine at Melbourne University and wants to work in the field of improving the health of Indigenous Australians. She, along with Dr Sarah McEwan and Teina Te Hamara, are thrilled to be the inaugural recipients of this prize.

"This foundation has reminded me again of the strength of women in our society," she said. "I strongly identify with Katrina's qualities. From what I have been told and have read about her, Katrina was dedicated, highly principled and a loving person; something I endeavour to reflect in all that I do." As the anniversary of Katrina's death approaches, Sandy says the gap in their lives is "still as big as ever" and they are all feeling it acutely. "But we are trying to honour her by getting on with things, looking after all the kids, looking after each other, and I think we are genuinely sustained by knowing that we have turned the last year into something tangible in her name, that we are proud of and she would have been proud of," he said. "She was a very practical and grounded person and her attitude would be 'well, this can't ruin your life, you have to be positive and constructive and make life as good as it can be', so that's what we're trying to do."

Nikki says she feels immense pride that the family has created "a wonderful lasting legacy" for Katrina's children and their own, too. "We all know that we just cannot possibly go near to filling her shoes, but we feel like everyone's worked together this year and achieved things that would make her really proud." Katrina's family are simply in awe of Paul: "He has shown a strength and determination that is very her. He's a remarkable man."