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From the Estate Manager

The Season Ahead at Dunkirk

Dear Residents,

The summer heat has passed, evenings have cooled and the days are balmy, just right to curl up with a cup of something warm and this issue of Dunkirk’s e-mag.

But don’t be too disappointed, as there will be another one coming up in the next month or two. As we move into winter, we have the last few big maintenance projects getting underway.

For those of you who missed the Louise Carver “Sundays at Ray’s” concert, it was a wonderful afternoon.

The rebuild of the Forest Boardwalk has started and we have to re-do quite a lot more than we anticipated this year, with the balance to be

done in July with the new Budget. The substructure had finally succumbed to the swampy forest environment, and we could no longer repair it; some places needed a complete rebuild. We will have it open again so that our residents can again enjoy the excellent birding that can be seen from the walkway.

of Tilapia, which are always fun for the catchand-release fishing that some of the kids do.

With the late rains, the work that was approved at last year’s AGM, to desilt and reline the dam was a bit delayed. This will now get underway in early June. It will be quite a disruptive and messy undertaking, so please bear with us through the dirt and the trucks; the end result will be well worth it. The dam will once again be able to hold its water through winter, with enough depth to sustain the small population

On completion of the dam, we will also repair the bird hide that was damaged by fallen trees in one of the seasonal high winds. And whether you just admire it as you drive past on your daily routine or take a moment on the bench during your walk, we will once again have a beautiful and serene space at the entrance of the Estate.

The Board has embarked on a brand refresh and marketing strategy. They have engaged Rainmaker Marketing to assist with a website revamp to keep Dunkirk relevant and investment values high in an ever-competitive estate property market. Please look out for

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the resident survey so that we can include your input and viewpoint. We will keep you updated on the exciting new release.

Even though our North Coast winters are mild, as autumn rolls into winter, take the chance to slow things down a little and enjoy the season; a late morning walk in the forest, pyjama Sundays, and evening games nights.

See you around the Estate …

Estate Manager

Clubhouse Manager’s Newsletter

Winter at Dunkirk: Wellness Upgrades & Coastal Lifestyle Highlights

With the cooler months approaching, winter is beginning to make its presence felt across Dunkirk Estate. The swimming pools have quietened down, and as residents prepare for crisp mornings and cooler evenings, we are pleased to share that the sauna will soon be getting a new heating unit and the inside

will be refurbished during the winter months, ensuring this wellness space is refreshed and ready to offer even greater comfort and relaxation in the season ahead.

We are also looking forward to the excitement that The Ballito Pro brings to our coastline each year. As one of the North Coast’s most iconic surf and lifestyle events, it is held at Willard Beach in Ballito and is part of the WSL Challenger Series. It draws top local and international surfers while bringing a vibrant energy to the area.

For residents of Dunkirk Estate, it is a wonderful reminder of the world-class events on our doorstep and the unique coastal lifestyle. There is also plenty for rugby fans to look forward to in the months ahead, with an exciting season of South African rugby on the horizon.

As always, these much-anticipated matches are sure to bring residents together, with braais and gatherings at the Beach Club, adding to our sense of community and creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the games with friends, family, and neighbours.

Clubhouse Manager

Clinton Andrews

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Auria Senior Living is Internationally Awarded

BEACH Cafe

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A Warm Thank You from The

Beach Café Team.

The Beach Café continues to thrive, and it has been wonderful to see so many residents and guests enjoying the space. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and the positive feedback we receive about our food, coffee, and overall café experience. Our team remains committed to creating the warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes the café such a special part of the Estate. Whether you are stopping by for your

morning coffee, a casual lunch, or simply to take in the surroundings, we always look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces through our doors.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you at the café soon.

Warm regards,

The Dunkirk Cafe Team

The Pigeonwood

A pioneer of emerging forests

NATURE

The Pigeonwood tree, commonly known in our area as ‘Pigeonwood’, is a fastgrowing tree with a highly adaptive life cycle, allowing it to grow in newly emerging and disturbed forests. The life cycle begins when mature trees produce small greenish flowers. These flowers develop into fleshy fruits that turn dark purple or black when ripe. These trees are absolute bird magnets when they fruit and attract a whole host of fruit eaters, including

white-eyes, bulbuls, tinkerbirds and turacos. This tree is fundamental in establishing newly emerging woodland, especially in areas of Dunkirk that were once degraded sugarcane fields. As the tree ages, growth slows, and branches often die. This creates great opportunities for cavity nesting birds, which take advantage of the softer rotting trunks, ideal for nesting woodpeckers, tinkerbirds and barbets. During the wetter months of the year, caterpillars feast on the fresh foliage and the tree becomes

an absolute magnet for Klaas’s and Diederick’s Cuckoos.

Eventually, the tree decomposes naturally, fungi, insects and microorganisms break down the wood, returning nutrients to the soil. The decomposition enriches the degraded soil and helps improve the growth of the newly emerging woodland, as well as the understory, including new pigeonwood seedlings. This tree is a great option for the garden if you want to encourage biodiversity, creating habitat for a whole host of species throughout its lifetime.

Easter Magic Unwrapped

Dunkirk Estate was filled with laughter, excitement, and a touch of Easter magic on Thursday, 26 March, as families gathered at the Forest Clubhouse for a memorable afternoon Easter Egg Hunt.

Set within the Estate’s beautiful natural surroundings, the event brought residents together in true community spirit.

Parents and neighbours enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, catching up while watching the little ones explore and play.

The Forest Clubhouse once again proved to be the perfect backdrop, offering a safe and scenic space for families to connect and unwind.

Children eagerly set off in search of hidden treasures, their baskets quickly filling with colourful eggs carefully tucked away along the forest pathways. The joy on their faces said it all: moments like these are what make estate living so special.

Beyond the excitement of the hunt itself, the afternoon was a celebration of togetherness. Events like these continue to strengthen the sense of community within Dunkirk, creating lasting memories for both young and old. As the day ended, it was clear that the Easter Egg Hunt was not just about

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finding eggs, but about sharing joy, laughter, and meaningful moments with neighbours and friends.

Ray’s KITCHEN

Louise Carver Shines at Sundays at Ray’s Music, magic, and a vibrant sense of community came together spectacularly at Ray’s Kitchen on Sunday, 3 May 2026, as Sundays at Ray’s delivered an afternoon to remember at Dunkirk Estate.

From the very first note, Louise Carver had the audience completely captivated. Her powerful, soulful voice filled the space with energy and emotion, bringing her muchloved hits to life in a way that felt both personal and electrifying.

Alongside her, Simz Kulla delivered a standout performance, his rich vocals and masterful guitar work adding depth and intensity that had guests spellbound. Set against the lush beauty of Salt Rock, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Residents and guests soaked up the sunshine, relaxed with friends and family, and embraced the easy rhythm of a perfect Sunday afternoon. The addition of gourmet picnic boxes elevated the experience even further, turning the concert into a feast for all the senses. There was a tangible buzz in the air: laughter, applause, and shared moments that captured the true spirit of Dunkirk living. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about connection, celebration, and creating unforgettable memories together.

As the final chords rang out and the crowd lingered, reluctant for the afternoon to end, one thing was certain: Sundays at Ray’s didn’t just meet expectations – it exceeded them, leaving Dunkirk Estate humming long after the last note had faded.

Meet Sarah Baum: Salt Rock’s Olympic Surfer

Sarah Baum began surfing at the age of seven and entered her first competition just a year later, in 2002. By the age of 14, she had already competed in her first international event in Australia. That same year, Sarah earned her South African colours for junior surfing and represented the country at the ISA World Junior Games in France.

At just 16 years old, Sarah began competing full-time on both the international junior and senior world surfing circuits, travelling extensively and gaining experience at some of the world’s top surf destinations and events.

Among her most recent achievements are winning the J-Bay Classic Speciality Event in 2024 and representing South Africa at the 2024 Olympic Games. While the 2024 Summer Olympics were officially hosted in Paris, the surfing competition took place at the legendary Teahupo’o break in Tahiti, where Sarah finished an impressive 9th overall.

Although Sarah now lives in Newcastle, Australia, Salt Rock will always be home. Residents and supporters can look forward to welcoming her back to the North Coast for the Ballito Pro this July.

Follow Sarah’s journey on Instagram: @sarahbaum___