“Nonna Says I Need a Man”: The Billboard That Stopped Sydney in Its Tracks
When Sydney commuters looked up at Central Station and saw the words “Nonna says I need a man - apply today” splashed across a billboard, they didn’t just laugh - they leaned in.
Meet Melissa, one of the standout winners of Bevilles’ personalised billboard giveaway, whose cheeky, self-aware message has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about OOH moments. Equal parts humour, heart and unapologetic personality, Melissa’s billboard proves that sometimes the boldest statements are also the most relatable.
Inspired by loud family dinners, unsolicited life advice and a very loving (but very honest) Italian Nonna, Melissa’s message taps into a universal truth: everyone has that family member with an opinion - especially when it comes to love.
By day, Melissa is all spreadsheets and structure - colour-coding her work (and her wardrobe) with precision, because balance matters, even in finance. By night, she’s immersed in loud family dinners, cousin catch-ups and the traditions that come with being proudly Italian. At the centre of it all is her Nonna - her biggest cheerleader, and, as Melissa puts it, “probably my toughest critic.”
“I’m all about confidence, culture and a little sparkle,” Melissa says. “Family is my everything - and Nonna definitely has opinions.”
Rather than brush off the commentary, Melissa chose to celebrate it, transforming a well-meaning nudge into a playful public declaration that has resonated with women across Sydney. The billboard’s humour and honesty have sparked laughs, double-takes and countless conversations - proof that the most powerful messages are often the most personal.
In a sea of polished ads, “Nonna says I need a man” stands out for one simple reason: it feels real. And whether you’re nodding along, laughing out loud, or mentally drafting your own application, one thing’s for sure - Nonna’s message has never reached a bigger audience.
The Bevilles campaign was created to spotlight real women and real stories, encouraging bold self-expression without filters or fine print. Melissa’s billboard captures that spirit perfectly - confident, self-aware and unapologetically fun.
