Client: BBM
Project: BBM Centenary Coffee Table Book
Release Date: August 2025, as part of BBM’s 100-Year Centenary Celebration

Project Overview:
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of BBM, Saie Comms’ Principal Consultant, Jillian Betts was engaged to research, write, edit and design a substantial legacy book tracing the organisation’s journey from its beginnings as the Big Brother Movement to its evolution into a purpose-led scholarship foundation.

Initially scoped as a 50-page publication, the project expanded over the course of a year into a 200-page hardcover coffee table book – driven by the sheer depth, richness and humanity of BBM’s history. More than 12,000 ‘Little Brothers’ migrated from Britain to Australia between the 1920s and 1980s, and their stories became the heart of the book.

The research process was immersive and often deeply personal. Drawing from original records, handwritten submissions and reflections, Jillian carefully refined each story into a more concise format – preserving the integrity of the lived experience while making the content accessible to readers. Every story was approved in consultation with contributors or their families. Many were emotional to work on – testimonies of separation, perseverance, grief and hope that offered a powerful window into Australia’s migration history.

The narrative was structured decade by decade, with key focus areas to help readers navigate the story across time. The content was written and designed to be engaging and accessible – rich in historical insight but easy to read. Visual storytelling played a central role, with timelines, quotes, photographs, graphics and illustrations custom-designed and woven throughout to create a cohesive and beautiful reading experience.

The final chapters celebrate BBM’s transformation into the Global Footprints Scholarship (GFS) program – supporting young Australians to expand their skills, explore international opportunities and create lasting social impact. The book highlights the achievements of well-known scholars, including Steven Heathcote, Adam Gilchrist, Harry Kewell and Simon Tedeshi, alongside recipients in agriculture, horticulture and the trades who have gone on to lead, innovate and mentor others in their fields.

More than a commemorative piece, the book is a powerful storytelling tool – giving BBM a visually rich, emotionally compelling and professionally produced publication where former Little Brothers, their families and supporters can see their stories come alive. While many of these stories have been shared before, they’ve never been told in quite this way – woven into a palatable and compelling narrative that places individual experiences within the broader social, historical and generational context. It’s not just a historical account – it’s a meaningful, engaging read with lasting personal and cultural significance.

Project Significance

This project represents a defining milestone in the Saie Comms portfolio – one of the most extensive and meaningful pieces of work delivered to date. Over the course of a year, Jillian led every aspect of the book’s development: from crafting its narrative voice and structure to designing its visual flow and securing final approvals.

The publication has been assigned an official ISBN and is now available for purchase through BBM, formally recognising Jillian as a published author and editor.

For Jillian, the project was not only a professional achievement, but also a deeply human journey – one that required empathy, historical sensitivity and storytelling skill to do justice to the voices of the past and the vision of the future.

 Legacy and Impact

The BBM Centenary Book now stands as a lasting legacy document – one that BBM can use to:

• Tell its story with clarity, warmth and integrity

• Showcase a century of social contribution and national significance

• Report on the long-term impact of its programs

• Engage alumni, scholars, government and philanthropic partners

• Advocate for future investment and program expansion

By blending historical storytelling with modern impact reporting, the book bridges BBM’s remarkable past with its forward-looking mission. It’s not just a commemorative keepsake – it’s a strategic piece of communication that will support BBM’s work for years to come.