Rowing Community Celebrates Naming of Jill Ross-Perrier
On Friday 20 February, the Ballarat Grammar community came together for a special Boat Naming and Blessing Ceremony.
The newly named Jill Ross-Perrier boat proudly recognises the extraordinary support and longstanding connection of Jill Ross-Perrier, whose contribution to Ballarat Grammar has been both meaningful and enduring. Jill travelled to attend the Boat Race Weekend, joining us for the naming and blessing, as well as cheering on crews at the lake on the Sunday.
The Jill Ross-Perrier will be recognised as the First Girls’ Senior Boat in perpetuity, Jill has remained closely connected to the School through the strong friendships she and her late husband, John, formed with fellow Old Grammarians, as well as through John’s unwavering loyalty and dedication to his School. Over many years, Jill has been an extraordinarily generous supporter of Ballarat Grammar, contributing not only to the rowing program but also to a wide range of School initiatives.
Reflecting on her connection, Jill shared:
“I kept involved because Grammar and Kit Williamson were John’s family for 11 years. I have much admiration for Kit, remembering it was wartime. She was a lovely, reassuring Matron to the boys.”
John Ross-Perrier entered the School as a boarder in 1943 at just seven years of age. He took up rowing in 1951 and, in 1953, was a member of the First Crew, rowing in the bow seat when the team won the Head of the Lake in record time. His connection to Ballarat Grammar remained strong throughout his life, returning regularly for Boat Race days and Annual Reunions. John also served the School as a member of the Board of Directors, contributing across several committees and as Chairman of the Planning & Development Committee.
Following his sudden passing in 1997, his ashes were laid to rest in what is now known as Kit’s Garden, a place of remembrance that honours both John and the matron who once cared for him as a young boarder.
The naming of the Jill Ross-Perrier not only honours Jill’s remarkable generosity but also celebrates a shared story of connection, service, and community. The boat will carry forward Jill’s passion and the Ross-Perrier legacy, inspiring future generations of Ballarat Grammar rowers to strive for excellence both on and off the water.
