CQUniversity graduate Alison Comollatti has reached a milestone in her study and career journey, graduating with a Bachelor of Learning Management (Early Childhood) degree this week.

The Rockhampton single mum attributes a lot of her efforts to inspiration provided by her daughter Hannah, who has down syndrome.

Stories behind sea of faces at graduation

Alison and Hannah enjoy graduation

This inspiration has enabled Alison to cope with work commitments and Hannah's health problems (including heart problems requiring surgery), while still managing an accelerated 3-year degree program.

Alison said Hannah had a low-level intellectual disability but had experienced speech and health problems.

"I have had great support from my family and if it was not for my daughter I don't think I would have kept going," she said.

"She has given me the inspiration and determination to keep going; so much so I am continuing  my studies into the specialization field of special needs."

Alison already has TAFE qualifications which have enabled her to work as a special school teacher aide and as an after-school carer at a childcare centre.

She has also previously worked as a disability care officer, including a stint in Broken Hill when she felt like a change of pace.