Jill Ross-Perrier

Jill Ross-Perrier’s life has been shaped by education — not simply as schooling, but as belonging, care and continuity.

Born in London just months before the outbreak of the Second World War, Jill’s earliest years were shaped by movement and extraordinary circumstance. As a small child she travelled through wartime Europe to reunite with her father, a Captain in the Merchant Navy, and spent formative years between Malta, Egypt, South Africa and England.

It was a childhood rich in experience but interrupted in schooling, with friendships often left behind as ships departed and postings changed.

That changed when her family migrated to Australia in 1949. Settling in Ringwood, Jill attended Tintern Grammar and, for the first time, experienced the quiet power of continuity and community. There she formed lifelong friendships and discovered the confidence that grows when young people feel known, supported and secure. It was an experience that would stay with her, and one that would later shape her extraordinary generosity.

John Ross-Perrier, known affectionately to all as “Rossy”, entered Ballarat Grammar in 1943 as a seven-year-old boarder. Wartime Australia was austere, and family circumstances meant that boarding school became a necessity. Grammar was not simply where he was educated. It was where he was formed.

Central to that formation was Matron Kit Williamson. To generations of boys, Kit was a steady and maternal presence in uncertain times. Jill recalls John speaking warmly of her kindness, welcoming young boarders into her residence for mugs of cocoa and toasted bread or crumpets in front of the open fire. In those small but meaningful gestures, boys found reassurance, structure and belonging.

John thrived. An outstanding scholar with a love of literature, history and languages, he became School Captain, rowed bow in the First Crew that won Head of the Lake in record time, captained the football team, sang in the choir, played the piano and earned School Colours in rowing, football and tennis. He embraced every opportunity and was respected not only for his ability, but for his fairness and character.

Ballarat Grammar shaped not only John’s achievements, but the man he became.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts with Honours at the University of Melbourne, John built a distinguished career with ASIO, specialising in Russian intelligence services and rising to Assistant Director of Counter-Espionage. His loyalty to Grammar endured. He returned to serve on the School Board, contributing with wisdom and diplomacy until his untimely death in 1997.

For Jill, the reason she continues to give is simple.

“Ballarat Grammar made John who he was.”

A Love Shared, A Life of Purpose

Jill and John met in Melbourne in 1969. It started with a glance across a crowded room at a friend’s housewarming leading to a phone call the next day. Not long after, Jill knew with certainty that John would be her husband.

They married in England in 1970 and returned to Melbourne to build a life grounded in learning, hospitality and deep connection. Jill taught kindergarten for 17 years, guided by principles of consistency, kindness and respect. She believed children needed clear boundaries, dignity in decision-making, and encouragement to express themselves freely. John brought warmth, intellect and humour to every gathering. Together they travelled widely, entertained generously and maintained close ties with their Ballarat Grammar community.

Their life together was full and deeply happy.

When John died suddenly in 1997, the loss was profound. Yet once again, Ballarat Grammar was a place of belonging, as John’s ashes were laid to rest in what would become Kit’s Garden, honouring the woman who had once cared so tenderly for him as a young boarder.

Giving Back So Others May Belong

Jill’s philanthropy is both deeply personal and intentionally forward-looking.

Through her continued generosity, the Vikings rowing community has undertaken significant renewal works at the John Ross-Perrier Watersports Centre, including major decking replacement, the installation of a mezzanine, and infrastructure improvements that enhance safety and participation for students.

Her support has extended beyond rowing through a transformational contribution toward the future establishment of the Outdoor Education Centre in the Grampians, ensuring that students continue to experience challenge, resilience and connection with the natural world.

Most recently, Jill established the Rossy & Jill Ross-Perrier Fund, providing enduring certainty for the rowing program through the purchase of two new boats every four years. This visionary commitment ensures that future generations of students will benefit from opportunity, teamwork and the formative power of shared endeavour.

Jill believes deeply in the Anglican tradition of education — one that fosters compassion, service and care for others alongside academic excellence. Her giving reflects gratitude, stewardship and a belief that schools do far more than educate; they shape character and community.

“Grammar was John’s family for 11 years,” Jill says. “That is why I keep involved.”

A Legacy That Rows Forward

Jill’s generosity is not about recognition. It is about continuity.

Through thoughtful and sustained giving, she has transformed gratitude into legacy and remembrance into opportunity. Her story is a reminder that philanthropy is not simply about buildings or boats. It is about ensuring that young people feel known, supported and inspired at the moments that matter most.

Because of Jill, students will step into boats purchased through foresight and faith in the future. They will train together, strive together and grow together, sustained by a gift that honours the past while investing confidently in what lies ahead.

And in doing so, they become part of a legacy that continues to shape lives.