As we close out 2024, we're reflecting on an incredible milestone – 25 years since Mezzanine was founded in 1999! We celebrate the people who've shaped our journey: clients who've trusted us with their brands, team members who've grown with us, and communities who've inspired us to keep building purpose-led and human-centric brands. Our story is one of connection, creativity, and purpose, and as we look back on this year, we're filled with gratitude for what's been and excited for what's ahead!
Take a look at how we’re celebrating the people who’ve shaped our 25-year journey.
A Year of Reflection and Growth
2024 was a year to pause, reflect, and grow – both personally and professionally. We embraced what was somewhat a sabbatical year, with both Jess and Liz celebrating 10 years with Mezzanine, and Nikki her 20th. While at it, Nikki also started her Master’s degree! Jess took some time out for the arrival of her second baby Xavier. Liz travelled to Europe with her daughter during her exchange program for 4 weeks and scored in a couple of extra weeks when her daughter dislocated her knee, a happy/sad moment. Luke spent an epic two months in Malaysia and Vietnam with my family, locking in some new core memories.
We also welcomed two incredible new team members: Faith, whose expertise in community management and helps our clients build meaningful digital experiences, and Zara who we’ve known for a decade, joined us to bring her rich experience in leadership, culture strategy, and conscious communication to empower our clients to align their purpose with their teams and messaging.
If you haven’t already, meet the team.
Project highlights
While we took time to recharge, our work continued to focus on building brands that inspire positive change. This year we partnered with BrightSky and Forward Ability Support, while continuing to support Newcastle-based not-for-profits Prelude Australia and Jenny’s Place, supporting and building their communities inside and out. These partnerships remind us of the power of purpose-driven branding. The importance of trust and clarity in organisational growth. Read this article: Building community around a Newcastle cause and the Prelude case study: Establishing brand trust to support organisational growth.
Alexander Pacific Group (APG) approached us to help bring clarity and direction to their core brand, multiple subsidiaries, and an ambitious vision for the future. Working closely with their directors, we honed their brand architecture and dove deeper into two of their sub-brands. Check out the case study to see how ambition meets architecture.
Energy and Management Services (EMS) has been part of our story for over 25 years. This partnership recently came full circle as we guided their team through purposeful workshops, redefined their brand direction, and crafted a fresh visual identity and website. The result? A brand that resonates more deeply, both within their team and with their customers, creating stronger connections and sparking new possibilities for a smarter, more sustainable energy future.
Steiner Education Australia (SEA) embodies a deeply human-centred vision for education, and last year we partnered with their CEO and leadership team to bring this to life. We launched their national strategy alongside a refreshed visual identity and website, reflecting the heart of Steiner education. This year, we’ve continued collaborating with select schools, supporting them to embed the strategy and values nationwide through our Brand School.
Keep a look out for some new case studies in 2025.
Looking to the Future: A Human-Centric Vision
As we celebrate 25 years, we’re also looking forward with renewed purpose. The world is shifting toward more human-centric business practices, and we believe the future belongs to brands that connect deeply, act meaningfully, and lead with purpose.
Earlier this year, Luke attended the B Corp Assembly on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria—a gathering that reinforced the power of collaboration and shared purpose. The theme, He waka eke noa (“We’re all in this together”), resonated deeply and inspired us to think about how we could bring similar opportunities for connection and learning to our own region.
In this spirit, we’re thrilled to announce Good Hunter, launching in February 2025. This monthly gathering in Newcastle will bring together purpose-driven leaders to share ideas, gain practical tools, and collaborate on embedding purpose into their businesses. Partnering with our co-working space, INNX and B Lab Australia, we’re creating an inspiring space for connection, growth, and transformation.
Learn more about Good Hunter and how you can get involved here.
Thank You for 25 Inspiring Years
Reflecting on this milestone year, we’re reminded that none of this would be possible without you – our clients, collaborators, and community. You’ve been a part of our journey, and we’re grateful for your trust in us to help bring your purpose to life.
Here’s to the next chapter, where together, we’ll continue building brands that create connection, inspire hope, and lead us toward a more human-centric world.
Wishing you a joyful and hopeful holiday season!