Remembering Simon Townsend as a conscientious objector and fearless anti-Vietnam War activist

Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy SEARCH Foundation, CC BY

Journalist Simon Townsend has died aged 79 only a few months after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. A statement released by his family reported “In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians”.

Townsend is best remembered for hosting the Logie-winning children’s show Wonder World from 1979 until 1987.