What’s in a name? Introducing Waullo Dawn and Koolark Healing Services

What’s in a name? When it comes to Waullo Dawn and Koolark Healing Services, more than you might think.

Choosing a permanent name for the Armadale family and domestic violence hub was no small task – how do you find a name that is welcoming to any potential client or community member?

After launching the FDV hub under the temporary name of the South East FDV Healing Service, HOPE and Yorgum Healing Services initiated an in-depth community consultation process to inform the final name and identity of this important service.

It involved many workshops and interviews over many months, and took in the views and ideas of partner organisations, stakeholders, potential clients, those with lived experiences of FDV, community members and local First Nations Elders.

Many ideas, images and concepts were discussed, but what clearly emerged was a need for two separate names and brand identities – one for the main FDV service for women and children, and one for the men’s programs and services.

After much deliberation, Waullo Dawn Healing Service and Koolark Healing Service were selected.

Waullo Dawn Healing Service

Waullo means “sun returns”, or dawn, in Noongar. It represents the sunrise, a symbol of a “new start” or growth, or of a person coming out of the darkness and into light and warmth. Women who are healing after experiencing FDV may feel like they too are on a journey that will bring them out into the light.

The symbol design draws from the Jug Flower (or Basket Flower) which is native to the Armadale and south east metropolitan area.

Read more about the services at Waullo Dawn Healing Service.

Koolark Healing Service

Koolark means “camp”, “shelter” or “home” in Noongar and represents a safe place to come for support.

The logo design draws on the concept of both a campfire and a bicycle. It can look like a campfire viewed from above, with the dots symbolising men gathered around it.

Viewed another way, the design can also look like a bicycle wheel with many spokes converging at a central hub to support the wheel – representing a metaphor for a man providing support for his family.

Read more about the services at Koolark Healing Service.

Both Waullo Dawn and Koolark Healing Services are operated jointly by Hope Community Services and Yorgum Healing Services, and supported by additional partnerships with Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services, Ngala, Women’s Legal Service WA, Aboriginal Legal Services of WA, Marmun Mia-Mia, 360 Health + Community and Ruah Community Services.