Head and shoulders shot of Simon Townsend wearing a sportscoat and shirt, smiling at camera, sitting next to his pet Woodrow the bloodhound, against a deep red backdrop.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World

Simon Townsend's Wonder World

If You Believe, Anything is Possible!

Forty years after Simon Townsend's Wonder World! first went to air on 3 September 1979, we celebrate this landmark children's TV program.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! (1979–87) was Australia's first current affairs-style TV program for kids on a commercial network. It dominated the after-school timeslot for Network Ten, built a loyal following of viewers and made household names of Simon Townsend and Woodrow the Bloodhound.

After eight years, almost 2,000 episodes, 8,000 stories, 17 intrepid reporters, five Logie Awards, a special award from the prime minister, and many more accolades, Wonder World! leaves behind a remarkable legacy.

We hope you enjoy this online-exclusive collection, which features rare and memorable moments from the show, documents, artefacts, scrapbooks, images and letters. 

The NFSA would like to thank Simon Townsend for making this online collection possible. With thanks also to Jonathan Coleman and Harvey Shore. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: The First Episode
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
34042
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

After two pilots and six years of trying to get a current affairs-style program produced specifically for kids onto the airwaves, Simon Townsend finally hosts the first episode of Simon Townsend's Wonder World!. 

In this clip, Simon introduces the show and the very first report – a quirky story about miniature mouse portraits, or 'mousterpieces', by reporter Angela Catterns. 

Note that the first episode did not include the now famous 'Wonder World!' theme song, which was not written until later in the first season.

At the start of this show is the 1976 hit from the Starland Vocal Band, 'Afternoon Delight'. The song was replaced after Simon was made aware of the suggestive nature of the song's lyrics.  

You Saw it On Wonder World!
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend, Network Ten

This is a short compilation of the Simon Townsend's Wonder World! reporters in action.

Over the eight years that the show was on air, they presented an astounding array of weird and wonderful stories that were always educational and informative. 

There were a total of 17 reporters during the life of the show and we've managed to include most of them here, along with Simon and Woody of course. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: The Pilot, 1977
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NFSA ID
599415
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

In 1977, Simon Townsend made a new pilot for the current affairs-style children's program that he had been trying to get on the air for a few years. 

This segment is a good example of how the show wanted to be fun but also inform at the same time.

It features a story about an unusual new product – the 'Dog Potty' – presented in zany fashion by reporter Greg Bepper.

'Wonder World!' Theme Song
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NFSA ID
702901
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend, Network Ten
Year:
Year

The music video for 'Wonder World!' by John St Peeters, the theme song for Simon Townsend's Wonder World!. 

The theme was written by Australian songwriter Chris Pelcer. Townsend commissioned the song specifically for the show. First recorded by St Peeters, it was released as a single on the RCA label in 1980.

The 1983 season of Simon Townsend's Wonder World! briefly featured a new version of the song, recorded by singer Naomi Warne.

St Peeters re-recorded 'Wonder World!' and the music video for his new version, as featured in this clip, was unveiled on the show's 1000th episode in 1983. This later version of the song was used in the opening credits until the show ended in 1987. 

This music video features a sequence of offbeat, bizarre and silly scenarios. It's in keeping with the lyrics of course, 'If you believe anything can happen / If you believe anything is possible', and in keeping with the diversity of content on the show itself.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! The Final Episode: Hello and Goodbye
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NFSA ID
1559534
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

This short compilation is from the very last episode of Simon Townsend's Wonder World! which was recorded on 22 April 1987. It was the 1,961st episode of the show.

The episode was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for viewers and featured many funny and memorable moments, plus some viewer favourites. It also includes an extended opening credits featuring every reporter who worked on the show.

How do you say goodbye after almost 2,000 episodes of a much-loved television show that ran for the best part of a decade? Simon Townsend's Wonder World! is a part of Australian television culture. Everyone gets a moment in this clip: past and present reporters, Townsend's animal co-hosts and scenes from popular episodes.

'Hello and goodbye', says Townsend paradoxically. His greeting and sign-off do not dwell on the sadness of the occasion but encourages viewers to smile and laugh (particularly at the bloopers). In all, this is a fitting farewell to a milestone in Australian children's television entertainment.

Simon Townsend and Bob Hawke on the 1000th Episode
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
702901
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

Prime Minister Bob Hawke presents Simon Townsend with an award for the 1000th episode of Simon Townsend's Wonder World!.

With the Australian national anthem playing in the background, the prime minister delivers an off-the-cuff speech congratulating an obviously pleased, if slightly nervous looking, Townsend.

The production values in this clip are straightforward and unpretentious, which is in keeping with the show itself and also Hawke's public persona.

Publicity still for Simon Townsend's Wonder World! featuring the reporters and host. Pictured from left to right: Sandra Mauger, Jonathan Coleman, Simon Townsend, Angela Catterns, Adam Bowen, seated in front: Woodrow the bloodhound.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: The Original Team
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NFSA ID
1496088
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

A publicity still for Simon Townsend's Wonder World! from the show's first season featuring the original four reporters with host Simon Townsend and mascot Woodrow.

Pictured (left to right): Sandy Mauger, Jonathan Coleman, Simon Townsend, Angela Catterns, Adam Bowen. Seated in front: Woodrow the Bloodhound. 

Explore the Simon Townsend's Wonder World! online collection

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Graham Chapman
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
34045
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend, Network Ten
Year:
Year

In this segment from an early episode of Simon Townsend's Wonder World!, reporter Jonathan 'Jono' Coleman takes on the persona of a TV talk show host to interview Monty Python's Graham Chapman.

Chapman was in Australia to promote his book A Liar's Autobiography, Volume VI (Methuen Publishing, 1980).

The Wonder World! reporters interviewed many international and local stars of the time, including the Village People, Elton John and Spike Milligan. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Remembering Woodrow
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NFSA ID
1558400
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

On 10 April 1986, Simon's beloved pet and the mascot of Simon Townsend's Wonder World! – Woodrow the Bloodhound – passed away. 

Woodrow was so popular and loved by viewers and fans that his death was front page news on some of Australia's major newspapers. When the news broke, Simon and the team behind the show were overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy from people across the country. 

This episode, which aired on Monday 28 April 1986, was dedicated to Woodrow and re-ran stories featuring the famous dog by reporters Jono Coleman, Angela Catterns and Alita Fahey. This excerpt includes the opening and closing of that episode in which Simon pays tribute to Woodrow, remembering him with a great deal of tenderness. 

Simon often expressed interest in tackling more serious topics on the show but didn't always receive support from the network. Woodrow's passing afforded him that opportunity as many children watching the show would at some time have struggled with the loss of a family pet.

Simon shares his feelings directly to camera, bringing a genuine intimacy to these moments. The affecting air of solemnity to the clip and the inclusion of file footage featuring Woodrow makes it hard not to be moved by his tribute.

Simon Townsend's First Pilot: The Ripper Report, 1974
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NFSA ID
599359
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Simon Townsend's first foray into children's television was a pilot episode for a current affairs-style program for kids called The Ripper Report in 1974.

The show had a similar format to Simon Townsend's Wonder World!, however Townsend only produced the show and did not host. Instead, The Ripper Report featured three hosts who were also the roving reporters: Adam Bowen, who appeared in the early episodes of Wonder World!; Leonora Vawn, a presenter from Denmark; and actor, writer and producer Gordon Steel.

The type of stories covered were also similar to Wonder World! in terms of tone and subject matter. In this pilot Adam Bowen meets a woman who is riding a pet donkey around the country, Leonora visits a dog show and Gordon meets a cat who eats from a spoon. There were also jokes and interesting facts in between segments and ad breaks.

The show featured an advice segment for young viewers called 'Dear Toby', a precursor to 'Dear Danni' from Wonder World!.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: 1000th Episode Scrapbook
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NFSA ID
640946
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

One of five scrapbooks donated to the NFSA by Simon Townsend.

This particular scrapbook was compiled to mark the 1000th episode of the show in 1983. 

Simon Townsend Wins at the 1984 TV Week Logie Awards
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NFSA ID
334114
Courtesy:
Nine Network
Year:
Year

Bert Newton and Dame Edna Everage present the award for Best Children's Television Program at the 1984 TV Week Logie Awards to Simon Townsend's Wonder World! with hilarious results.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! won a total of five Logie Awards in the eight years that the show aired.

A letter written to Simon Townsend by a young fan after the first episode of Simon Townsend's Wonder World. The sentiment of the letter is complimentary and encouraging.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Simon's First Fan Letter
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
1481209
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

This is the very first letter Simon Townsend received from a viewer of Simon Townsend's Wonder World!. It is dated 3 September 1979, the same day that the first episode of the show went to air.

The letter is from 13-year-old Cheryl who found the show entertaining and wishes Simon good luck.

It has been preserved in the first of five scrapbooks kept by Simon Townsend and donated to the NFSA in 2017.

There is also a copy of Simon's response to Cheryl pasted on the same page of the scrapbook. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Dear Danni
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NFSA ID
1558398
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

In the fifth season of Simon Townsend's Wonder World!, Simon added an advice segment to the show's format featuring a young teenage girl named Samantha Woodhouse, who went by the name 'Dear Danni'.

Dear Danni was a type of 'Agony Aunt' figure for the young viewers. Kids could write to the show about any problem they were going through and Dear Danni would read the letters on air and give her advice on how to solve the issues. 

In later seasons Danni left the show, but was replaced with a teenage boy Danny. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Iron Man Training
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
1558398
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

Phillip Tanner interviews fellow Wonder World! reporter Brett Clements about training for an Ironman event.

Phillip also talks to Brett's trainer to find out what it takes to compete in the gruelling triathlon series. 

While Brett Clements was a serious Ironman competitor, the pair ham it up for the cameras with slow-motion running shots and a lot of clowning around on the beach, to produce a highly entertaining story. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Today's Artist
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
34045
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

In this segment, 'Today's Artist', Simon Townsend showcases the work of a viewer who has produced an illustrated children's book about rabbits.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! received mail from hundreds of fans every week who sent in photos, drawings, paintings, poems and even inventions. 

Simon used to occasionally highlight some of these items on air and award them prizes during the show. In this case, the child's prize appropriately included art supplies. 

This clip is a good example of how Simon speaking directly to camera creates closeness with his audience. The low-key production values effectively capture Simon's genuine delight in Jane's children's book.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Jono Coleman Discovers Some New Hobbies
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NFSA ID
34043
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

Wonder World!'s self-described 'zany' reporter, Jonathan 'Jono' Coleman visits a hobbies exhibition at Neutral Bay in Sydney – and manages to wreak havoc in the process.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: The Apple II Computer
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NFSA ID
19639
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

Adam Bowen, one of the first reporters on Simon Townsend's Wonder World!, finds out all you need to know about the new Apple II Computer, which has just been released in Australia.

Wonder World! often covered stories about technology, bringing the latest developments in machines, computers and gadgets to viewers.

These were fascinating stories at the time as home computers were not as widely available as they would become. Now these stories have a different appeal, offering a snapshot of what cutting-edge consumer technology looked like in the late 1970s and early '80s.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Surfer Pam Burridge
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
1558398
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Network Ten
Year:
Year

This clip includes a Simon Townsend's Wonder World! music video for Australian pro surfer Pam Burridge, who recorded a single to raise funds to compete at major tournaments. This was during a time when the women's professional surfing league was in its infancy and competitors struggled for a piece of the sponsorship pie.

Aside from its progressive current affairs story format for kids, Simon Townsend's Wonder World! was also known for music videos. Wonder World! was often the first show to play new release pop clips and even filmed a music video for INXS's first single, 'Simple Simon'.

While production values for these in-house music clips were low, they were consistent with the program's homespun and unpretentious tone. This segment is a good example of their do-it-yourself approach to music videos and the end result looks like a lot of fun.

Mental as Anything on Simon Townsend's Wonder World!
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NFSA ID
555304
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend, Network Ten
Year:
Year

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! was well known for presenting new music on the show via the latest video clips or through interviews with local and visiting performers.

This clip begins with Simon Townsend introducing the latest video from Australian band Mental As Anything, for their single 'Spirit Got Lost'. Then Maurice Parker catches up with the band after the release of their 1983 album, Creatures of Leisure.

As this clip demonstrates, Simon Townsend's Wonder World! and Mental As Anything make for a perfect combination, with the band's wacky sense of humour in sync with that of the show's reporters. This seemingly make-it-up-as-you-go-along segment is thoroughly engaging and a joy to watch.

Band member Reg Mombassa even treats us to a quick history of the lawn mower and Hills hoist!

Page from the Simon Townsend's Wonder World! magazine for kids featuring amazing facts on different topics.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World! Magazine
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NFSA ID
1481209
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

This is one of the first iterations of the Simon Townsend's Wonder World! magazine insert from The Australian Women's Weekly 'For the Children' section.

This page is from 23 August 1978 and has been kept in one of five scrapbooks compiled by Simon Townsend. It has the familiar Wonder World! logo at the top and features an interesting array of amazing facts and stories that have been cleverly illustrated. 

Helen Mirren played Sara Winchester, mentioned in one of the stories here, in the 2018 film Winchester, directed by Australian brothers Michael and Peter Spierig. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Press Clippings
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
1481209, 1481226, 1481228, 1481229
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend

Various press clippings from the scrapbooks donated to the NFSA by Simon Townsend. 

Many of these clippings are about Woodrow the Bloodhound who was a popular member of the Wonder World! team. 

Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Fan Mail
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
1481209, 1481226, 1481228, 1481229
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend

This is just a tiny sample of viewer submissions, fan letters and fan art sent to Simon Townsend over the years.

The show received hundreds of letters a week from kids and adults all over the country, and the Wonder World! team did their best to respond to as many as possible. 

Viewers sent photographs of themselves and their siblings and friends, drawings and paintings of Simon and Woodrow, ideas and inventions, trinkets, gifts and more.

These fan mail items were kept in a series of scrapbooks compiled by Simon and the Wonder World! team and later donated to the NFSA.

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! poster featuring a large image of Woodrow the bloodhound in the centre. The poster reads 'Sniff out Wonder World! Weekdays at 4pm on Ten'.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: Poster
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NFSA ID
750762
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

An early poster promoting Simon Townsend's Wonder World! featuring a large head shot of the program's popular canine mascot, and Simon's family pet, Woodrow the Bloodhound.

Jonathan Coleman Leaves 2WS for Wonder World!
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NFSA ID
818373
Courtesy:
Jonathan Coleman
Year:
Year

In this excerpt from an exclusive NFSA oral history interview with Jonathan Coleman, he explains how his gig as a Wonder World! reporter came about.

Debbie Kruger interviewed Jonathan Coleman for the NFSA Oral History program in 2010. 

Jonathan Coleman Talks About Simon Townsend
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NFSA ID
818373
Courtesy:
Jonathan Coleman
Year:
Year

Jonathan Coleman talks about Simon Townsend as a visionary and someone who was prepared to let his reporters take risks and push boundaries. 

Debbie Kruger interviewed Jonathan Coleman for the NFSA Oral History program in 2010. 

From left to right, entertainer Jeanne Little, singer Elton John and Wonder World! reporter Jonathan Coleman, circa 1982 in what looks to be a press conference.
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Elton John with Jonathan Coleman and Jeanne Little
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NFSA ID
787204
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Intrepid Wonder World! reporter Jonathan 'Jono' Coleman, is pictured here with singer Elton John on 20 November 1980 at a press event to announce a tour of Australia. 

The event was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Jono was there for a Simon Townsend's Wonder World! exclusive interview dressed in a bumble bee costume in the colours of Elton's football team, Watford FC, known as 'the hornets'.

Elton, who happened to have seen Jono on Wonder World! earlier that day, loved the costume. That interview was the first of many chats Jono had with Elton, including several for UK radio and television.

Also pictured in this photograph is entertainer Jeanne Little, famous for her regular segments on daytime television program The Mike Walsh Show. The photo ran in TV Times and TV Week magazines.

Notes by Mel Bondfield

Wonder World! reporter Jonathan Coleman and Simon Townsend sitting on a fun park ride at Sydney's Luna Park. They are posing with their arms outstretched for the camera.
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Jonathan Coleman and Simon Townsend at Luna Park
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NFSA ID
450343
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Wonder World! reporter Jonathan Coleman and Simon Townsend pictured on one of the rides at Luna Park in Sydney, circa 1981.

The Wonder World Team, circa 1982. Pictured clockwise from top left: Jonathan Coleman, Simon Townsend, Maurice Parker, Alita Fahey, Woodrow the Bloodhound and Sandy Mauger.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: 1982 Team
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NFSA ID
696258
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Publicity image of Simon Townsend with his team of Wonder World! reporters, circa 1982.

Pictured top (left to right): Jonathan Coleman, Simon Townsend, Maurice Parker. Bottom (left to right): Sandy Mauger, Woodrow the Bloodhound and Alita Fahey.

The Wonder World Team, circa 1983. Pictured clockwise from top left: Maurice Parker, Simon Townsend, Sheridan Jobbins, Jonathan Coleman, Alita Fahey.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: 1983 Team
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NFSA ID
790014
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

The Simon Townsend's Wonder World! team, circa 1983. 

Pictured clockwise from top left: Maurice Parker, Simon Townsend, Sheridan Jobbins, Jonathan Coleman and Alita Fahey.

The Wonder World Team, circa 1985. Pictured left to right: Phillip Tanner, Malinda Rutter, Simon Townsend, Edith Bliss, Brett Clements, and in front is Dear Danni and Woodrow the Bloodhound.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: 1985 Team
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NFSA ID
790055
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

This image of Simon Townsend and his Wonder World! team of reporters appears to have been taken somewhere on Sydney Harbour, with the city skyline in the background, circa 1985.

Pictured top row (left to right): Phillip Tanner, Malinda Rutter, Simon Townsend, Edith Bliss and Brett Clements. Bottom row: Woodrow the Bloodhound and Samantha Woodhouse ('Dear Danni'). 

The Wonder World Team, circa 1986. Pictured left to right: Wednesday Kennedy, Hugh Munro, Simon Townsend, Winston the Cockatoo, Carolyn Mee and Brett Clements.
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Simon Townsend's Wonder World!: 1986 Team
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NFSA ID
790055
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

A publicity photo of Simon Townsend and his Wonder World! reporters, circa 1986.

Pictured left to right: Wednesday Kennedy, Hugh Munro, Simon Townsend, Winston the Cockatoo, Carolyn Mee and Brett Clements.

Simon Townsend and his dog Woodrow. Simon is dressed as Sherlock Holmes, with a pipe and magnifying glass and holding Woodrow's leash.
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Simon Townsend and Woodrow Channel Sherlock Holmes
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NFSA ID
789917
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Children's television host Simon Townsend, dressed as Sherlock Holmes, poses with his trusty companion Woodrow for a publicity shoot for Simon's Townsend's Wonder World!

The Wonder World! team always appear to have a lot of fun in their publicity photos and this shot is no exception. Simon and Woody look to be on the scent of a fascinating new Wonder World! story.

Wonder World! reporter Edith Bliss poses for a photo with Dexter, the robot from the TV dating show Perfect Match.
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Edith Bliss with Dexter the robot
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NFSA ID
1496092
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Simon Townsend's Wonder World! reporter Edith Bliss poses for a publicity shot with 'Dexter' the robot from Network Ten's TV dating show, Perfect Match (1984–89).

Brett Clements, Woodrow the Bloodhound and Edith Bliss. Brett and Edith are dressed in Santa suits and Woodrow is wearing reindeer antlers
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/08-2019/519141_0002_brett-edith-woodrow.jpg
Wonder World's Brett, Woodrow and Edith Celebrate Christmas
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NFSA ID
519141
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Reporters Brett Clements and Edith Bliss from Simon Townsend's Wonder World!, along with Woodrow the Bloodhound, dress up for Christmas. 

This undated photograph is possibly a promotional shot for the show's Christmas Day special in 1984. 

A labrador puppy named Logie sits among 5 TV Week Logie awards belonging to his owner Simon Townsend.
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/08-2019/1481225_40_logie-the-puppy.jpg
Logie the Labrador Pup Watches over Simon's Logie Awards
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NFSA ID
1481225
Year:
Year

When Simon Townsend got a new Labrador puppy in late 1986, the show held a competition to give the puppy a name.

The winning entry was 'Logie', which was fitting as Simon had recently won his fifth TV Week Logie Award for Best Children's Television Program that year.

In this photograph, Logie the puppy is pictured watching over Simon's five Logie awards.

Big Bird from Sesame Street, in a guest appearance at the TV Week Logie Awards in 1983, presents Simon Townsend with an award.
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Simon Townsend at the 1983 Logie Awards with Big Bird
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NFSA ID
1481225
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

Simon Townsend is pictured accepting the 1983 Logie Award for Best Children's Television Program from none other than Sesame Street's Big Bird.

In the 1980s, Simon Townsend's Wonder World! dominated children's television in the weekday afternoon timeslot, winning a total of five TV Week Logie Awards.

The 1980s was also the decade in which the Logie Awards show was particularly known for its international guest star appearances, and so it was not that unusual to have a Sesame Street character present an award.

A record sleeve for an album titled Simon Says. On the cover is the title at the top in big flouro-coloured orange and green letters and below that is a picture of Simon Townsend surrounded by kids. Everyone has their hands stretched up in the air.
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Record Sleeve for 'Simon Says' Featuring Simon Townsend
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NFSA ID
1481225
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

This K-Tel album release featured a song performed by Simon Townsend called 'Simon Says', along with a number of well-known novelty songs like 'Rubber Duckie' and 'Mah-Na-Mah-Na' by various artists.

Four press clippings pasted onto a scrapbook page about Simon Townsend's board game called Simon Says.
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Press clippings about 'Simon Says' Board Game
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NFSA ID
1481225
Courtesy:
Simon Townsend
Year:
Year

These press clippings from Simon Townsend's scrapbooks cover the 1986 release of his board game, 'Simon Says'. 

At the time of its release, Simon told the Gold Coast Bulletin, 'This is my new game, and it's silly. It's all about getting the players to do something silly, tell funny jokes and try to outdo each other for grins and groans.'

The board game was a big success, selling out the initial run of 20,000 within a week.