Mezzanine 2020 Update - Luke Burrel and Liz Knapp with Wildflowers Founder Belinda Ramirez

Starting the year grateful – 2020 update

2020 started with a very full schedule for us, with lots of things happening at once. We’re happy to report we’ve made it through the first six weeks of the year with our sanity intact and some admirable work all thanks to our incredible team and equally brilliant clients. This year one of our goals as a team is to reflect more on what we’ve accomplished instead of being so quick to move on to the next goal or 'problem to solve'. Maybe you can relate?

We’re privileged to work with many great people doing great things – so here is a reflection on the first few weeks of 2020:

 

Salvos Red Shield Appeal

We’re working with our friends at Salvation Army Australia again on their next Red Shield Appeal, this marks the 6th national campaign we’ve worked on together, time flies! A few weeks ago we spent some time down in the Blue Mountains on set filming the TVC which will launch around May/June this year. Each year, the TVC developed for the Red Shield Appeal is based on a true life story or situation, which we’re honoured to help re-create in an authentic way, while being sensitive, especially with delicate and hard subject matter.

 

Mezzanine SalvationArmy RedShieldAppeal 2020 2  Mezzanine SalvationArmy RedShieldAppeal 2020 4  Mezzanine SalvationArmy RedShieldAppeal 2020 1  Mezzanine SalvationArmy RedShieldAppeal 2020 3

 

Hunter Water WaterWorld web-app

We’ve been working with Newcastle’s Hunter Water for the past year on an exciting project for schools in the Hunter.

Connecting WaterWorld, Brand, and Behaviour Change

WaterWorld demonstrates how thoughtful design and audience engagement can drive behaviour change while reinforcing a brand’s purpose. By creating a tool that supports the Water in the World curriculum, Hunter Water goes beyond providing a service—it becomes an active partner in fostering sustainable water habits among students and their families.

At its core, WaterWorld is designed to influence real-world behaviour. The 28-Day Shower Challenge leverages behavioural science techniques like habit formation, progress tracking, and intrinsic motivation to encourage students to reflect on their water use and make sustainable changes. By engaging students in a fun and interactive way, the app turns abstract concepts like water conservation into tangible actions, forming habits that can last a lifetime.

This connection between education and behaviour change enhances Hunter Water’s role as a community advocate for sustainability. By investing in tools like WaterWorld, the brand aligns itself with positive environmental action, creating deeper trust and connection with the community it serves. Brands that lead with purpose have the power to influence change, and by providing value in such a meaningful way, Hunter Water is positioned as more than a utility—it becomes a trusted partner in shaping future behaviours.

As WaterWorld rolls out to schools, it will serve as both a practical educational tool and a driver of meaningful behaviour change. By aligning audience understanding, human-centred design, and brand purpose, Hunter Water has created something that not only engages its users but inspires them to act, reinforcing the connection between smart water use and a sustainable future.

For the past month, we have been finalising improvements to the web-app ready for a pilot program to be run in schools in Term 1.

 

 

Wildflowers Human-Trafficking Book

Another project we’ve been deeply engaged with is Wildflowers, a powerful initiative born from a heartfelt desire to make a tangible impact in the fight against human trafficking. Wildflowers is a beautifully crafted coffee table book that weaves together stunning photography and poignant narratives to tell the stories of survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines. It shares their journeys of strength, resilience, and hope while spotlighting the incredible work of organisations actively combatting trafficking and supporting survivors.

This book is a platform for raising awareness and fostering understanding of a global issue that often goes unseen. By amplifying these voices, Wildflowers aims to inspire action and support meaningful change. Working closely with its founder, Belinda, we’ve focused on ensuring the book remains an authentic and heartfelt reflection of the courageous individuals whose stories fill its pages.

We’ve recently sent the book to print and can’t wait to see it brought to life. Once it’s in the hands of readers, we’re confident Wildflowers will spark conversations, touch hearts, and contribute to the ongoing fight for freedom and justice worldwide.

 

Mezzanine WildflowersBook 1  Mezzanine WildflowersBook 2  Mezzanine WildflowersBook 3  Mezzanine WildflowersBook 5

 

Watagan Park Brand Evolution

We’ve been working closely with our long-term client, Johnson Property Group, on an exciting brand evolution for their Watagan Park Community in Lake Macquarie. Over the past six years since the brand was first established, the market has shifted, and buyer needs have gradually evolved. This presented an opportunity to refine and modernise the brand, ensuring it continues to resonate with the target audience while remaining true to the estate’s original purpose and qualities.

Our approach is intentional and measured, introducing the new brand identity in stages over the coming months. This gradual transition ensures the community can adjust to the changes while preserving the trust and connection built over the years. By aligning the refreshed brand with the current aspirations and values of buyers, we aim to strengthen the estate’s appeal and reflect the evolving character of the Watagan Park community.

Alongside the rebrand, we’re deep in the creation of the seventh edition of The Wanderer, Watagan Park’s quarterly community magazine. This collaborative publication, which we write, design, and publish with the Johnson Property Group team, plays a key role in connecting residents and showcasing the vibrancy of the community. Each edition offers stories, updates, and insights that reflect the unique lifestyle of Watagan Park and its residents, ensuring the brand evolution is integrated seamlessly into its storytelling and communication.

 

Mezzanine WataganPark 1  Mezzanine WataganPark 2

 

Amongst all that:

  • We started planning Mezza’s 21st birthday celebrations this year, along with lots of other exciting initiatives. Watch this space!
  • We launched our Impact Program for NFPs, social enterprises, B-Corps and schools.
  • Alissa and Shon started on our team!
  • Luke & Shane are in the midst of pulling a team together to trek Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise funds for 100% Hope towards the end of the year
  • Nikki joined the committee of NFP Connect and Dress for Success.

 

 

 

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