 He was a panellist and presenter at Aussiecon 4.Dowling was educated at Boronia Park Public School, Sydney, 1952–59; Hunters Hill High School, Sydney, 1960–64; and Sydney Teachers' College, 1965–66, following which he was conscripted for national service as an infantryman and admin clerk during the Vietnam War.During these years Dowling wrote poetry and songs and some fiction.