Whittlesea’s Funfields Theme Park will swing open its gates for the summer season this Saturday 1 November, marking its 40th anniversary
The park will unveil a $10 million upgrade, which includes new attractions in the Lava Lagoon Lazy River and Cyber Drift Bumper Cars.
At just 23 years old, Lilly Primerano has taken over the role of attractions manager
Ms Primerano’s parents founded the park in 1985, and she said growing up in Funfields was “the best”.
“It’s like my second home,” she said.
“I started as a mini golf attendant when I was 11, and now I manage 200 staff. It’s very full-on in peak season but I love it – my family’s amazing to work with.”
Despite the hectic nature of her job, Ms rimerano says she’s always got time for one thing.
“The lolly shop,” she shares.
“My favourite memory growing up would probably be going to the lolly shop. I’ve always had the biggest sweet tooth and it doesn’t really help when your family owns a park and you’ve got free access to all the food there.”
“It even got to the point where I’d been banned by my aunty from grabbing any lollies. I got told off cause I’d been eating up all her stock,” she said with a laugh.
Ms Primerano said a recent 40-year reunion brought together generations of past staff.
“We invited everyone who’s worked here over the decades, as well as emergency services, police and locals for a soft-launch. It was hectic but ended up being a really good day – and of course, we celebrated with cake.”
Since its early beginnings as the Alpine Toboggan Park and across its 40 year history, the park has been many Victorians go to destination for fun and adventure for generations.
