Farewell, Simon Townsend
He may have been seen as king of the kids, but he was also a man of great principle
I was a little old to be watching Simon Townsend’s Wonder World when it screened in the late 1970s and early 80s, but I sure wanted a piece of that action.
When Channel 10 advertised for a Wonder World reporter, I was one of the huge number of applicants. I didn’t get the job, which hurt because I knew there was something special about the show and the way they were going about the business of journalism.
It changed the way my profession was done on television in Australia, and it introduced to the world of broadcasting stars of the future including Jonathan Coleman, Edith Bliss, James Valentine, Angela Catterns, Maurice Parker and Amanda Keller.
Townsend has died at 79 after a battle with aggressive cancer. As the creator and host of Wonder World, Simon brought curiosity, creativity, and joy into the homes of countless Australians.
His groundbreaking program was a celebration of offbeat stories and unique talents and always ended with Townsend’s observation, and lifelong conviction, that the world really is wonderful.
Simon’s legacy extended beyond television. As a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, he courageously stood by his principles, even serving time in jail for his beliefs. His integrity and passion for justice were as much a part of his life as his infectious enthusiasm for storytelling.
As veteran Brisbane journalist Terry Sweetman noted on social media, “it took ticker to stand up to the Green Machine”.
Townsend will be remembered as a trailblazer, a man of conviction, a starmaker, and a cherished part of Australia’s cultural fabric. His contributions will continue to inspire generations to think deeply, laugh freely, and celebrate the wonder in our world.
A family statement announcing his death noted, “In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians.”
Wonderful!
P.S. If you get the chance, check out the old Wonder World clips at the National Film and Sound Archive here.
Nice tribute. And a big score for the Italians!
So many memorable moments from his great show, funny, informative and poignant.
I think you'd have really loved working for/with him.
Do you recall the day he announced Woodrow's death? It was hard not to tear up seeing Simon sitting there forlornly holding his beloved dog's collar...
And how that was the only time he didn't end the show with the words, 'The World really is a wonderful place...'
A nice tribute, Brett.