Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend has died aged 79.The TV star had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, with his death being announced on Wednesday by his family. ‘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 to the last was loud, passionate and full of laughs.’ Townsend was best known for as the creator and host of the children’s television show Wonder World which ran from 1979 to 1987. The show was a smash hit of its time, landing five Logie Awards for Most Popular Children’s Television series. Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend has died aged 79Townsend had a sidekick on the series, a bloodhound named Woodrow, who was a favourite among the young audience.Wonder World was an entertainment and news focused program for young Australians, which also launched music videos of huge bands like INXS. His family said Townsend was often fighting against Australian TV regulators to feature ‘boundary-pushing’ segments for his young audience. ‘Simon often found himself in a stoush with Australian children’s television regulators, fighting to maintain his show’s boundary-pushing ethos and preserve his children’s TV rating,’ they said.’The edict to all involved in making the show was that they 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 wonderful!’Prior to his pioneering career in children’s TV, Townsend was a newspaper reporter and conscientious objector against the Vietnam War.He soon met and struck up a friendship with A Current Affair host and producer Mike Willesee at a dinner party, with whom he developed the idea for Wonder World. The TV star had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, with his death being announced on Wednesday by his family ‘Nine paid for a pilot, Seven paid for a pilot but no-one took it up,’ Townsend once told TV Tonight.’Then the law changed and the channels had to have a half hour of Australian quality television. So I was given 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 worked alongside fellow Wonder World star Edith Bliss on the show, as well as with musician James Valentine. Townsend also made an appearance on a celebrity version of Sale of the Century, an Australian prime time game show that aired on Nine from 1980 to 2001.TV and radio presenter Amanda Keller led the tributes to Townsend as she shared an old Woman’s Day magazine which had him featured on the cover.’I just heard the news of the passing of Simon Townsend. Simon Townsend’s Wonder World! was my first job,’ she said on Instagram.’I was a researcher there, and was lucky enough to work alongside some of the most talented people of my generation. ‘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 TV and radio presenter Amanda Keller led the tributes to Townsend as she shared an old Woman’s Day magazine which had him featured on the cover ‘I just heard the news of the passing of Simon Townsend. Simon Townsend’s Wonder World! was my first job,’ she said on Instagram’Many of my closest friends today are from those days. I’ll be forever grateful to the show, and to the groundbreaking force that was Simon Townsend. ‘My condolences to all who loved him.’Fans flocked to X—formerly known as Twitter—to share their condolences for Townsend’s passing.’Rest in Peace,’ one person wrote, as another added: ‘Simon Townsend died. Wonder World was a staple in my house from the age of 6 onwards. Vale.”RIP Simon Townsend. Wonder World was a big part of my after school day for a long time,’ a third commented.’As a GenXer, I grew up with Simon Townsend and Wonder World. Sending much love to those he left behind,’ penned another.One user said: ‘One user said: ‘RIP Simon Townsend. Very sad news. ‘Not only was Wonder World a great show for kids, it introduced some excellent presenters and helped change TV journalism.’ More to come.
