Death of a legendary salesman
My father, Dennis Gowing, became known to generations of Australians as Kevin Dennis — the flamboyant car salesman, restaurateur, businessman, art collector, racehorse owner and larger-than-life character. To me, he was my dad. From Dennis Gowing to Kevin Dennis In 1960, my dad went into partnership with Kevin Heffernan, who operated a second-hand car lot […]
The Princess and the Pauper: A Melbourne Cup Story
MELBOURNE CUP • 1985 Co-owner Dennis Gowing leads What A Nuisance after winning the 1985 Melbourne Cup Every Melbourne Cup season, I find myself returning to this extraordinary family story. It was 1985. My father, Dennis Gowing, was co-owner of a horse called What A Nuisance — and on a wet November day at Flemington, […]
Derryn Hinch on Dennis Gowing
With the passing of Derryn Hinch on 10 July 2026, I’ve found myself revisiting some wonderful memories of a very different Melbourne. Derryn was larger than life—sharp, witty, endlessly curious and never short of an opinion. One of my favourite pieces is this tribute he wrote about my father, Dennis Gowing. As I read it […]
