I am proud to announce some incredible news. Last Wednesday, at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney, my company, The Perfect Events Group, took home the award for Best Charity or Cause-Related Event in Australia for the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023. 

This recognition is a monumental achievement and a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work we poured into this project. To be honoured in this way is beyond humbling. 

The Australian Event Awards said : 

“The intricacy of what you had to do to put this event together is impressive. How you matched the corporates to families that benefited from Legacy to make it meaningful and real for those involved was very clever.”

“Legacy would like to congratulate Lily and the team from Perfect Events on their success at the Australian Event Awards, this is thoroughly deserved”. –  Chairman of Legacy Australia, Mr Wayne McNee.

This relay travelled over 55,000km, involved 1,500 torchbearers, and mobilised 1,000 volunteers to commemorate Legacy’s 100 years of supporting veterans and their families. Even more powerfully, we raised $7.5 million to help Legacy continue its extraordinary work and created a media reach of 1.78 billion!

During this adventure, we had audiences with Kind Charles III and the Rock Band KISS. During my audience with him, King Charles called me a “Genius” for my work on this project. I’m still pinching myself over this moment.

If you’ve followed Perfect Events Group’s and my own journey, you know this project was born from the challenges of COVID-19. After three years of meticulous planning, sweat, and tears, I brought this vision to life—and it has become one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.  

A project of this magnitude is not for the faint-hearted, and I am beyond proud to have led it. To stand here now, with this award in hand, is a moment I will cherish forever. It’s a victory I am proud to share with my team and all those involved in the project. 

I want to say an enormous THANK YOU to the incredible legends who made this journey unforgettable: 

Legacy Australia – especially Scott Warr, former CEO, Eric Easterbrook, former Chairman, Wayne McNee, Chairman, Katrina Hagerty, Executive Officer, Kerry Jenke, President of Melbourne Legacy, Ken Tsirigotis, former COO of Melbourne Legacy, and Anthony Birch LTCOL in London!

ADF Support – for their continued support. We want to give a special shout-out to Catherine (Bunny) Carrigan COL, Murray Duckworth CSM LTCOL, Michael (Chuck) Connors OAM LCDR RAN, Alison Squirrell CPL, Richard Elsom CMDR 1, and Scott Clingan COL!

Media team – Max Markson of Markson Sparks, Jodie Artis and the team from Progressive PR. Thank you to Justin Lees for the incredible coverage in Europe, and to Channel 9.

Operations Team – The amazing PEG team who made the impossible, possible  – PAST & PRESENT!

Our Generous Sponsors – Defence Health, BAE, Lockheed Martin, Boeing Australia, ADA, Accenture, Europcar and many more 

Torch Bearers, Volunteers, and the 45 Legacy Clubs – You turned this event into a movement. 

Also, a huge shoutout to my wonderful husband Jeff Comerford, beautiful girls Saraya and Sapphire and all of my family who supported me in more ways than I can mention here! 

We didn’t just raise funds—we changed lives and created memories that will last a lifetime. The Legacy brand now stands stronger than ever, thanks to the incredible support from all involved. Please continue to support Legacy – as they truly are one of Australia’s most trusted brands. The need for their services is needed more than ever.

I am forever grateful for every moment, every challenge, and every person who stood by me.

Here’s to believing in impossible dreams and creating meaningful impact—because together, we have the power to transform lives and leave a legacy that lasts forever.