Australian journalist and TV presenter Simon Townsend dead at 79

Australian journalist and TV presenter Simon Townsend has died at the age of 79.

The TV star was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. His death was announced by his family on Wednesday.

“In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians,” his loved ones said in a statement.

‘The conversation until the end was loud, passionate and full of laughter.’

Townsend was best known as the creator and host of the children’s television show Wonder World, which ran from 1979 to 1987.

The show was a huge success of its time, winning five Logie Awards for Most Popular Children’s Television Series.

Townsend had a sidekick in the series, a bloodhound named Woodrow, who was a favorite among young audiences.

Wonder World was an entertainment and news-oriented program for young Australians, which also launched music videos from major bands such as INXS.

His family said Townsend often fought Australian TV regulators to offer “groundbreaking” segments for his young audience.

“Simon often found himself at odds with Australia’s children’s television regulators, fighting to preserve the groundbreaking ethos of his show and his children’s viewing figures,” they said.

“The edict to everyone involved in making the show was that they would never talk down to children.”

Townsend was known for ending every episode of his show with a heartwarming farewell, saying, “And remember, the world really is a wonderful place!”

Prior to his groundbreaking career in children’s television, Townsend was a journalist and conscientious objector to the Vietnam War.

He soon met and befriended A Current Affair host and producer Mike Willesee over dinner, with whom he developed the idea for Wonder World.

“Nine paid for a pilot, seven paid for a pilot, but nobody took advantage of it,” Townsend once told TV Tonight.

‘Then the law changed and the channels had to have half an hour of Australian quality television. So I got a C rating and I had something to sell. The rest is history.’

In 1993, the beloved star also hosted an ABC show called TVTV, where he interviewed famous celebrities about their own television projects.

He collaborated with fellow Wonder World star Edith Bliss on the show, as well as musician James Valentine.

Townsend also famously appeared in a version of Sale of the Century, an Australian prime time game show that aired on Nine from 1980 to 2001.

TV and radio host Amanda Keller led the tribute to Townsend as she shared an old Woman’s Day magazine in which he was on the cover.

‘I just heard the news of Simon Townsend’s death. Simon Townsend’s World of Wonder! was my first job,” she said on Instagram.

‘I was a researcher there and was fortunate to work with some of the most talented people of my generation.

‘Many of my best friends today come from that time. I will be forever grateful to the show, and the groundbreaking force that was Simon Townsend.

“My condolences to everyone who loved him.”

Fans flocked to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their condolences on Townsend’s passing.

“Rest in peace,” one wrote, while another added: “Simon Townsend died. Wonder World has been a permanent fixture in my house since I was six. Valley.’

‘RIP Simon Townsend. “For a long time, Wonder World was an important part of my after-school day,” said a third.

‘As a GenXer, I grew up with Simon Townsend and Wonder World. Sending lots of love to those he left behind,” wrote another.

One user said: ‘One user said: ‘RIP Simon Townsend. Very sad news.

‘Wonder World was not only a great show for children, it also introduced some excellent presenters and helped change TV journalism.’

There’s more to come.