Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre

13/10/2026

Before Beaconsfield was proclaimed a municipality in 1908, the Beaconsfield Town Board conducted its business from these historic chambers.

On 6 January 1908, the first meeting of the Beaconsfield Council was held. The council chambers were located in the old courthouse on Grubb Street.

The building itself dates back to 1904, when it was constructed by the Tasmanian Gold Mine Company and used as mine offices.

In 1948, Council purchased the current council chambers building from Mr Stephen, who had lived there as a private residence since 1930. Prior to Council taking ownership, the property was leased to Mr Pat O’Keefe and his family until 1955.

Council continue to operate from the West Street location. In 1977, a new office was built at Riverside, with the majority of council services moving to the new premises.
Bottom photo WH Stephens amongst the flowers c.1940.

10/10/2026

Remember these?
Before cordless phones, this was the solution for making your phone “mobile”!

A telephone cord reel — because sometimes you just needed a little extra reach.

07/10/2026

04/10/2026

Unique, colourful & handmade in Tasmania!

Our gift shop at BMHC stocks a huge range from talented Tasmanian artists, including these hand-knitted wire and bead jewellery pieces from ’s Textile Designs.

Bright, creative and completely unique, each piece is made to stand out.
Come and visit BMHC for gifts for all occasions.
Open daily 10-4
Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & morning of ANZAC Day.

02/10/2026

01/10/2026

Installing the ‘Flying Flea’ – Royal Enfield RE (1947)

We’re pleased to welcome this Royal Enfield RE (1947) to BMHC kindly on loan from Mr Mick Lemon.

These lightweight motorcycles became famous during WWII for being parachuted in with troops behind enemy lines

Mick, Clair, Mike and Julieanne were involved with installing this little beauty.

BMHC open daily 10-4.
Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and til noon ANZAC Day.

29/09/2026

30 September 1953 — Beaconsfield became the first town in Australia to add fluoride to its water supply.

Council chemist Frank Grey had prepared a report for the council, presenting evidence supporting water fluoridation as a way to improve dental health. His work helped pave the way for fluoridation to be adopted more widely across Australia.

On the 50th anniversary, a plaque was placed at the Grubb Shaft Museum in his honour, recognising his contribution to public dental health.

Pictured here is the plaque commemorating Frank Grey and this important piece of Beaconsfield’s history.

28/09/2026

As promised, here’s the answer to yesterday’s “BMHC’s What on earth is that?”
There was a correct answer or two.

It’s a vulcanising clamp, used for repairing punctured motor vehicle tyres and inner tubes.

The clamp was made in two parts and tightened over the tube or tyre, with a patch and glue in place. Petrol was then added to the small well, positioned over the patch and lit. 🔥

The resulting heat bonded the repair to the tyre or tube.

Quite a clever bit of ‘old-school’ repair technology.

28/09/2026

It’s time for another ‘BMHC’s what on earth is that!’
We are sure someone has used or remembers what this is.
The answer will be posted tomorrow at 8am.