Djaara

Published April 8, 2024

By FontsInUse

Contributed by Darden Studio

Jubilat is the main brand typeface of Djaara.

The Dja Dja Wurrung are an Aboriginal Australian people who who have lived on their traditional lands, Djandak (“Country”), in the Bendigo region of central Victoria over many thousands of years.

Previously known as Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC), the group partnered with Storyland to tell their stories through reimagined brand communications. This included a new name: Djaara means “People” in the Dja Dja Wurrung language. In a series of workshops, they developed an identity that maintained the essence of the old branding, with carefully reworked components such as the Bunjil (Wedge-Tailed Eagle) and the Campfire (Jupiter).

Storyland introduced Darden Studio’s Jubilat as the primary typeface for all communication. The low-contrast slab serif with high x-height serves in several of its twelve weights. It’s often set in lines or paragraphs of alternating colors, making good use of the extensive palette that draws inspiration from Djandak’s unique environment.

Jubilat can be seen in annual reports and other publications, on signs and maps, and on the various websites: in addition to Djaara’s main site, there are three specialized sites dedicated to the corporation’s areas of activity: Djandak (Land Management Services), Dumawul (Cultural Immersion Experiences), and Djakitj (Bush Foods). There, Jubilat is supported by the sans-serif Mulish, with Cheddar Gothic Rough used for the menu. The wordmark is custom lettering, with Sofia used for the slogan “Balaki Wuka” (“Giving to community”).