The Story Of Red Shed

1 The Early Days

The land now home to Red Shed is leased by Black Mountain Rowing Club Inc. (BMRC) on a Community Titled block. BMRC’s story begins in 1964, the year Lake Burley Griffin — designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin — was completed.

The Kingston Nissen hut served as a base for Burns Rowing Club, Canberra Rowing Club, and several schools Clubs, including Telopea Park High School. By the early 1970s, Canberra Rowing Club had moved to Yarralumla Bay and the other clubs had folded, leaving Telopea’s school program as the sole occupant. These were the real formative years of the Telopea Rowing Club with great successes in School Boys 8s and School Girl Fours at National level and lots of chook raffles and kegs part of the regular activities.

When the ACT introduced the College School system in 1975, the Club became the Telopea Narrabundah Student Rowing Club, maintaining student involvement despite the education system changes. Around the same time, Easts Rowing Club was formed by Telopea alumni to keep rowing beyond school years. Incorporating in 1984, Easts changed its name to Narrabundah Rowing Club in 1988 as the ties with the old Easts (drinking) Club faded.

2 Moving to Black Mountain Peninsula

The Kingston Foreshore plans meant Narrabundah Rowing Club needed a new home. In the late 1980s, club members John Gasson and Angus Reid led the relocation to Black Mountain Peninsula. With support from the National Capital Development Commission, they secured a site north of today’s Red Shed.

In 1989, John and Angus obtained a $30,000 matching sports grant, coordinated volunteer labour, and oversaw construction. The original shed opened in December 1991 — without water, sewerage, or electricity. Toilets and showers were added by 1998, and the club adopted the name Black Mountain Rowing Club to reflect its new location.

3 A Bigger Vision

John had long dreamed of building “the best little rowing club in the world.” In 2013, he and his wife Jeanette proposed a major redevelopment. After a decade of bureaucratic frustration and planning, the lease was secured in 2023 — and Red Shed was born.

Four times the size of the original facility, Red Shed operations and mission takes inspiration from Boston’s Community Rowing Inc. model, promoting inclusivity, adaptive rowing, youth engagement, and community partnerships. Today, it’s home to BMRC as well as a gym, wellness hub, café, and event spaces — welcoming everyone from school kids taking their first strokes, to elite athletes, to locals enjoying coffee by the lake.

Our Mission

1 Red Shed's Purpose

Red Shed Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission: Rowing for All, Inspiring Wellness, Fostering Community. Our agreement with BMRC protects club assets and generates sustainable income through events, workshops, and programs, with all profits reinvested into rowing initiatives.

Our values — Community, Commitment, Opportunity, and Fun — guide every decision. We are committed to working with stakeholders to grow programs and improve facilities for the benefit of all.

The People Behind the Story...

1 John Gasson

John Gasson was fortunate enough to be introduced to rowing when he attended the Public School, Telopea High School as a 13 year old — the sport shaped his friendships, discipline, and resilience. He rowed for Telopea, then Narrabundah College and Easts Rowin Club, where he met Jeanette Hall.

2 Jeanette Gasson

Jeanette Gasson began rowing in 1979 with Easts, achieved national success (including winning the women’s pair at the 1983 Australian Championships), and represented Australia at the 1984 World Rowing Championships in St Catherines Canada in the stroke seat and winning Silver. She is talented athlete and continues to have success and is on the water 2-3 days a week.

3 Angus Reid

Angus Reid a former Easts and Narrabundah rower who began at Narrabundah College in 1977 — was instrumental in securing BMRC’s first site at Black Mountain Peninsula. He worked alongside John Gasson to obtain funding, managing site crews and volunteer crews, and lead the construction of the original shed in 1991. Angus is now involved in the Red Shed as a Volunteer coach and mentor

4 Peter Wright

Peter Wright was one of the original Telopea Rowers who had success nationally. He also founded East Rowing Club and has served as President on all the iterations of the Club. He has contributed extensive coaching expertise and leadership to BMRC, mentoring rowers of all ages and fostering strong club culture. His guidance helped many transition from novice to competitive rowing.

5 Reuben Bettle

Reuben Bettle started his rowing journey as a Coxswain and travelling with John, Angus, Iain Smith and Steve Sutton as they competed as School Boys. Reuben went on to become a success National Rowing Coach and rower and continues to row weekly, now from Red Shed. Reuben is head of Volunteers at Red Shed and CEO of the Golden Oar.

6 Paul Champness

Paul Champness was a driving force in club administration, ensuring sound governance, financial stability, and long-term planning during key growth years.

7 David Bagnall

David Bagnall brought technical skill and hands-on support to BMRC’s operations — David was recently honoured with an OAM for his exceptional services to Rowing