About // The Story of Red Shed
BLACK MOUNTAIN PENINSULA, canberra
From a red-doored hut at Kingston to a vibrant lakeside hub, Red Shed is a celebration of history, resilience, and community spirit — and a commitment to shaping the future of rowing and wellness in Canberra.
The image in Red Shed’s Cafe shows the birthplace of rowing in Canberra: a humble Nissen hut with red doors and a rusty roof, once located off Mundaring Drive in Kingston beside the ACT Government Works Depot. In the 1990s, the Kingston Foreshore redevelopment transformed this area — the hut’s site now consumed by lake water, near the bridge to Trevilian Quay at Kingston Foreshore.
Red Shed honours its predecessor’s signature red doors and curved roof, echoing the form of the original building.
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 Rowing Club, where he met Jeanette Hall. John also competed nationally, served as Boat Captain and Treasurer, and became a major benefactor, funding facilities and equipment.
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.
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.
Angus Reid
Angus Reid is 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
Paul Champness
Paul Champness was a driving force in club administration, ensuring sound governance, financial stability, and long-term planning during key growth years.
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.
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
