Pictured from left to right: Charlie Minervini, Dek Burdle, Colin Burdle, Allie Burdle

 

Funky Monkey Bars isn’t just a business—it’s in the family DNA.

 

Introducing the Burdle Family: The Heart Behind Funky Monkey Bars

Funky Monkey Bars has always been about fun, adventure, and getting kids outdoors—but behind the brand is a family that has shaped it into what it is today. Meet the Burdle family, the driving force behind the evolution of Funky Monkey Bars, led by Colin Burdle, whose vision and expertise transformed the business into an Australian-made success story.

Colin: The Heart AND Soul

If you’ve ever popped into our showroom in Fremantle or Melbourne, or visited us at the Perth Royal Show, chances are you’ve met Colin Burdle—and trust us, you’d remember!

Colin is the energy behind Funky Monkey Bars. Eccentric, bubbly, and always ready with a massive smile, he’s the guy who’ll greet you like an old friend, probably dancing to Michael Jackson while talking passionately about why quality, Aussie-made play equipment matters.

Pictured: Colin Burdle and Mr. Banana

A Fresh Start in Australia

Before Funky Monkey Bars, Colin, now 60, had already built a successful career in the UK. As an engineer and business owner, he ran his own engineering company for years before deciding it was time for a change. In 2010, he retired, packed up his life in the UK, and moved to Australia in search of a better future for his family.

But retirement didn’t last long.

 

From Fixed Frames to Freestyle Play

When Colin joined the Founder in 2012, Funky Monkey Bars looked very different from what they are today. Back then, they were a fixed-height structure—classic monkey bars, but without the versatility and customisation that families love today. With an engineering background and a keen eye for problem-solving, Colin was asked how they could be improved.

His response? Make them adjustable. Make them modular. Make them better.

With his “magic wand” of innovation, Colin introduced adjustable heights and modular designs, turning Funky Monkey Bars into a dynamic backyard playground that could grow with kids. He also made swings an option, opening up endless possibilities for play.

 

Pictured: early days of Funky Monkey Bars before Colin's changes.

 

Bringing Production Back Home

At the time, Funky Monkey Bars were manufactured in Vietnam, but Colin had a different vision. He knew that if they wanted to create the highest quality equipment, they had to take control of the process—and that meant manufacturing in Australia.

“It’s all about the quality for us,” Colin says.

He made the call to bring production home, using Aussie steel and in-house powder coating to ensure every Funky Monkey Bars set met the highest safety and durability standards. This decision not only elevated the product but also solidified Funky Monkey Bars as a proudly Australian-made brand.

True Family Business started with: Dek

As Funky Monkey Bars grew, so did Colin’s team—his family. 

The first was Colin's eldest son, Dek Burdle, now 33, who joined Funky Monkey Bars in 2013. At first, he was in the warehouse, packing boxes—but he quickly saw gaps in the production line and operations. Instead of just doing the job, he spoke up, telling the bosses how things could run more efficiently. They listened, and Dek put his ideas into action, streamlining systems and saving massive amounts of time and money.

 

Pictured: Dek Burdle and his daughter, Chloe.

Before long, he became the brains behind the way Funky Monkey Bars operates today. He built the systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly, earning him the nickname “The Rain Man” for his sharp problem-solving skills. Now, as Operations Manager and second in charge, Dek is the cogs that keep the machine moving—ensuring that Funky Monkey Bars continues to deliver top-quality play equipment to Aussie families.

 

Allie: from Fitness Instructor to Playground Expert

Introducing Allie Burdle, Colin’s wife and mother to the Burdle kids. Before stepping into the business, Allie, now 58, was a fitness instructor, teaching classes at the local gym while also looking after their youngest son, Jude, then just starting primary school.

Pictured: Allie Burdle

As Funky Monkey Bars began picking up momentum around 2014, Allie started helping out in the warehouse, packing boxes and lending a hand wherever needed. Before long, she became the friendly face that greeted customers in the showroom. With her natural ability to connect with people and knowledge in fitness, it was only a matter of time before she stepped into sales, where she thrived for 2-3 years.

 

Pictured: Colin Burdle and Allie Burdle

When the customer service department expanded, taking some of the workload off Allie, she found a new passion—commercial sales. Today, Allie is the driving force behind school and commercial playground projects, working with clients to design large-scale play spaces that bring Funky Monkey Bars to kids everywhere.

To ensure that every playground is built to the highest safety standards, Allie completed a playground inspector course, becoming a Level 3 certified inspector (the highest). Now, she works closely with Kidsafe and Playcheck, ensuring that every installation meets Australian Safety Standards—so kids can climb, swing, and play with confidence. 

 

Pictured: "The King Kong", a commercial frame designed by Allie Burdle.

Charlie: The Creative Force Behind the Brand

A family business thrives when each member brings their unique skills to the table, and for Charlie Minervini, now 28, that meant injecting youthful energy and creativity into Funky Monkey Bars.

Colin saw Charlie’s creative eye and knew she could help take the Marketing Department to the next level. But before she could shape the brand, she needed to understand the business inside out. So, in 2018, she started on the front lines—Customer Service & Sales, working alongside Allie and the sales team for approximately 18 months. This hands-on experience gave her insight into the customers, the products, and the heart of the brand before she stepped into her marketing role.

 

Pictured: Charlie Minervini with mum, Allie Burdle.

Once in the Marketing Department, Charlie hit the ground running. She taught herself graphic design and video editing, skills that came naturally, and before long, she was the creative engine behind Funky Monkey Bars. From website graphics and email marketing to ads, social media, and even photography and videography, every visual element of the brand came from her brain to the screen.

But she didn’t stop there. When Allie set up the Commercial Department, Charlie jumped in to help bring playground projects to life.

Now, as Head of Marketing, Charlie continues to lead the brand’s creative direction, but with an even bigger impact. Working alongside Dilate Digital, she’s elevating Funky Monkey Bars to new heights—crafting bolder campaigns, sharper ads, and stronger connections with families across Australia. Every campaign, every ad, every social post—it all starts with her vision. Funky Monkey Bars isn’t just a product; it’s a brand that families connect with, trust, and love.

 

Pictured: Charlie Minervini

Family, Fun, and a Shared Vision

The Burdle family hasn’t just stepped into their roles—they’ve embraced them, working seamlessly together every day. They’re a tight-knit team that understands the balance between work and life, always supporting each other while having a whole lot of fun along the way.

At the heart of it all is Colin, an incredible businessman who has shaped his family with the same morals, values, and vision that built Funky Monkey Bars into what it is today. Since August 2024, Colin has been the sole owner of Funky Monkey Bars, and alongside his family, he will continue to grow the business and create a lasting legacy; one that's built on quality, innovation, and a whole lot of heart.

Becoming a grandad to two-year-old Chloe has given Colin a renewed zest for life, sparking a fresh passion and unlocking new realms of creativity, inspiring exciting ideas for the future of Funky Monkey Bars.

The foundation of their success? Trust, passion, and a shared love for what they do.

So, what’s the secret to making it all work? Colin puts it simply:

"When you have a beautiful, hard-working, and honest family, that is all you need. When you have that, you have everything."

 

Pictured: (top left to right) Matthew Minervini, Jude Burdle, Mackenzie Hall (bottom left to right) Dek Burdle, Sam Burdle, Chloe Burdle, Charlie Minervini, Allie Burdle, Colin Burdle.

Pictured: Dek Burdle and Colin Burdle

Photography by Nathaniel Tan