The Hyphen 20 Countdown!

As we celebrate a big milestone – twenty years of Hyphen – we think it’s the perfect moment to look back on some of the projects that have got us here.

Over two decades, we’ve worked on an incredible mix of books, films and installations. Some have been large and complex, others intimate and surprising, but all of them have taught us something about storytelling, collaboration and care.

Here are twenty projects that have stayed with us – not because they were the biggest or the loudest, but because they left a mark on the team. Buckle up for a trip down memory lane.

1. Qantas – The Flying Kangaroo

Created to commemorate Qantas’ centenary, this project gave us rare access to vast archives and a deep well of public affection for a national icon. What readers may not know is that this book was produced during Covid, when travel was off the table. Perhaps that’s why it contains an extra layer of nostalgia – we were all longing for the freedom of movement at the time.

2. Akubra – Handcrafted History

Telling the story of an iconic Australian brand across a book, film and installation reminded us that stories can live in many forms. One of our first all-in-one projects, this represents what Hyphen can do when everything comes together.

3. Melbourne Royal – Celebrating 175 Years

This was a favourite for many reasons, including getting to work with a beautifully organised archive. Decades of showground history, personal stories and visual heritage came together to show how place and people shape celebration.

4. Thomas Cook Boot & Clothing Co – My Name Is on the Line

Every detail mattered in this project, which was designed to be sold in stores. The care put in has been rewarded by the overwhelming response from readers, a reminder that dedication always shows.

5. People First Bank – 150 Years of Purpose-Driven Banking

A vibrant history where storytelling meets creativity. We’re especially proud of the film component on this project, with illustration and motion design created in-house. This was a project that truly stretched across formats.

6. Toorak College – A Red Ribbon Runs Through It

This was our second book for Toorak College, and expectations were high. The challenge? Honouring tradition and heritage while engaging the entire community – from primary students to alumni – across nearly 400 pages.

7. Westbourne Grammar School – Belonging

One of those rare projects that felt meaningful and joyful from start to finish. Families shared stories and recipes close to their hearts, and the collaboration between photography, food styling, design and careful proofreading resulted in a powerful example of inclusive storytelling.

8. Johnson’s – 100 Years in the Making

A century of family business was captured through close collaboration between client, writer, designers and producers. Seeing the book and film inform each other reminded us how beautifully stories can move between formats.

9. Eastcoast Beverages – Sip by Sip

What began as a ‘small book’ quickly became something much richer. A colourful, highly readable family business story – and a great lesson in the power of place-based storytelling.

10. Canberra Airport – The Best Little Airport in the World

A project that evolved with every round. Starting as a collection of short stories and images, it grew through reshaping, restyling and rethinking. A great example of what can happen when everyone stays open to change.

11. Pat McCluskey – Trust

An engineering memoir filled with unexpected twists, and a powerful story of perseverance and courage – one that continues to resonate for our team.

12. BaptistCare – 75 Stories that Shaped Us

A project that reinforced why individual voices matter. Each story – full of challenge and triumph – anchored the broader narrative and reminded us of the impact of human-centred storytelling.

13. Master Builders Victoria – Celebrating Excellence

Seeing both the book and film so warmly received at the 150th anniversary celebration made all the effort worthwhile. Producing two complementary pieces at once is no small task – but when it works, it really works.

14. HSK Ward Group – Nourishing Communities for Six Generations

A business history that’s also a family story. We still remember the boxes filled with letters, packaging, photos, news clippings and recipes. Being trusted with such a precious archive allowed new stories to emerge organically.

15. Toyota – Shifting Gears

Not every milestone is celebratory. This book marked the closure of manufacturing operations in Australia – a challenging brief that offered profound insights into Toyota’s work ethos and culture.

16. Heidelberg Materials – 70 Years Shaping Australia’s Landscape

This film production demanded precision, efficiency and focus. The disciplined process sharpened the narrative, and it was a creative challenge we thoroughly enjoyed.

17. FGB – 170 Years

This was one of the first film projects where we took the reins across every aspect. It remains a proud milestone for our team.

18. Elderton Wines – Anniversary Book

A celebration of Barossa heritage, winemaking tradition and family, and a beautiful example of how place and people – and good wine – shape history.

19. Thiess – Pioneering Tomorrow

One of our ‘big ones’. Ten years have passed in a blink, and here we are again, revisiting memories of this project and building on a long-standing relationship.

20. Penrite – Still Driven

This was one of our most recent projects, and a great experience. A strong story with high expectations – and one that’s sure to become a favourite among Penrite fans.