John & Jeanette Gasson

Founders of Red Shed

John and Jeanette have a long history with the Black Mountain Rowing Club. John’s rowing journey began in 1973 at Telopea Park High School in Canberra. Despite limited opportunities, he and his friends embraced the sport, and later, former students including Peter Wright, Angus Reid, and John, established the Easts Rowing Club, where Jeanette became a notable athlete, winning a silver medal in the 1984 World Championships.

In 1984, John led efforts to secure a new site on Black Mountain Peninsula, resulting in the club’s relocation and renaming to Black Mountain Rowing Club in 1987. This move allowed the club to expand significantly, with John, Jeanette, Angus, and Peter playing key roles in its growth.

The Red Shed represents the next evolution of the Telopea Park High School Rowing Club, a legacy that John and Jeanette are proud to have facilitated. They met at the old rowing shed over 40 years ago and continue to row and compete today.