The Beacon Mens Shed has a new website where you can view some amazing restoration projects proudly on display.
Plans to build a Mens Shed for Beacon were first proposed at Beacon Progress Association meeting in early 2009, by several older gentlemen of the community when funds became available from the Federal Government Stimulus Package along with funds from the Mt Marshall Shire Industrial Business Reserve for Beacon.
After many hours of volunteer work and equipment, along with much appreciated assistance from the Mt Marshall Shire work crew, the Mens Shed was finally completed in February 2010. Local Beacon men coordinated the works and many community volunteers helped to get the shed up and ready for the opening. A number of tools and other items were donated, along with a 1950’s Allis Chalmers tractor and 1947 International truck for repair and restoration. Many more tools, work benches and machinery to make the shed fully functional were purchased with funding from Lotterywest.
Kitchen and office equipment were also donated to equip the shed’s kitchen, and a unisex disabled access toilet was installed. The Beacon Mens Shed was officially opened by Messrs Bruce Ingleton & Maurice Bailey with the unveiling of the sheds new sign, “Beacon Mens Shed, Community Workshop”, designed by Roz Anstee, a local signwriter.
The Beacon Big Busy Bee community BBQ, sponsored by the Beacon Progress Association, followed the unveiling with all the volunteer workers of the day all joining in the opening celebrations.
As the number of completed restoration projects grew, it became apparent that another shed was required. The extension to the Men’s Shed was made possible through funding from Royalties for Regions via the Wheatbelt Development Commission’s 2016 Community Chest Fund and also a contribution from the Shire of Mt Marshall. The Beacon Mens Shed Extension was officially opened by Hon Mia Davies MLA, Member for the Wheatbelt at the Back to Beacon Day in 2017. This event provided an opportunity for a tractor parade to demonstrate the success of projects completed by the Beacon Mens Shed.
The Beacon Mens Shed is situated at the entrance to the Beacon Sporting Complex, adjacent to the Sandalwood Dray Shed and War Memorial.