Council worked with Morris Piper on a last minute grant opportunity to upgrade a notorious section of road on the outskirts of a main township. Applying our local and regional expertise we managed to pull together a comprehensive submission which was subsequently funded, aiding Council in meeting community priorities.
Client
Central Darling Shire Council
Year
2023
Project
Menindee Road Upgrade
Funding awarded
$2.3 million
Andrew spent 30 years working in the Federal Government’s Regional Development, Indigenous and Employment portfolios, including being responsible for the national program management of a number of the Federal Government's regional programs.
From remote locations in the Northern Territory and Kimberley, to Far North Queensland, Tasmania and Canberra, Andrew’s lived experience has given him a passion and expertise for northern, regional, and remote Australia, especially when it comes to regional development and Indigenous Australia.
After leaving the Australian Public Service in July 2020, Andrew co-founded Morris Piper to support regional and remote communities and organisations to understand, access and manage the grants process. Having extensive first-hand experience in the grant funding space has Andrew ideally placed to assist organisations in all aspects of the grant funding processes, from first concepts right through to the final acquittal.
With lived experience ‘from the inside’ of politics, the problems facing regional and remote communities were clear, illuminating the need for no-nonsense advice, capability support and strategic Government advocacy.
Ryan co-founded Morris & Piper Advisory to ensure communities and organisations around the country could effectively access and take advantage of the programs and initiatives Governments were rolling out.
With a reputation in Parliament House as someone who got things done, managing stakeholders is what Ryan does best. Whether they be senior ministers, mayors, constituents or key stakeholders, Ryan approaches everyone with a collaborative and positive attitude enabling people and projects to come together.
A highly motivated individual, Michael takes pride in delivering timely and high-quality results, with collaboration at the core of his work ethos. Michael assists clients with grant management services, primarily focusing on Morris Piper’s remoter organisations and those with capacity constraints.
Before joining Morris Piper, Michael worked for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications in various roles. As a Grants Management Officer, he provided written advice, managed stakeholders, and ensured compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
In his earlier role in the Regional Development Division, he negotiated funding agreements with local government authorities and managed contracts for grant programs. Throughout his career, Michael has built strong relationships with clients, funding agencies, and stakeholders while continuously delivering high-quality work.
Robyn’s journey has seen her deeply involved in indigenous affairs, child welfare, health statistics, and economic data analysis.
Robyn's expertise, particularly honed during her tenure at the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, showcased her ability to navigate complex systems and drive change. Her work in remote communities and on significant social initiatives highlighted her dedication to using data as a tool for social advancement.
With her idealistic yet pragmatic approach, Robyn has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged Australians. She brings to the MP team not only a wealth of experience but also a passion for making a tangible difference in the community.
Rob grew up in regional NSW surrounded by agriculture and the country. He recognises and reflects fondly on the lifestyle benefits of rural living, but also greatly appreciates the challenges facing people in many parts of regional and remote Australia.
Rob has had around 18 years’ experience working in government, both within the Australian Public Service and as a consultant across various portfolios, including Regional Development, Health, Infrastructure, Transport, Defence and Emergency Management. He has worked in Parliament House in Ministerial offices, including as a Regional Development Adviser under the former government. In this role, Rob was responsible for regional and remote policy initiatives.
Rob is a keen problem solver. He holds a broad range of skills, having worked in both specialist and generalist roles. He has first-hand experience in designing and developing government policy interventions, in undertaking community stakeholder consultation, and in supporting evidence-based funding decisions.
Rob enjoys working with clients and getting to know people and their stories. He has extensive experience in roles supporting organisational learning and leadership development, with his many passions including design and communications.
Rachel built her early career in Sydney, but her heart was always in the country. She made the leap to regional New South Wales to focus on what she truly cares about: helping regional communities thrive.
Now based in the Central West, Rachel manages a variety of projects that support local development and growth. She's hands-on with councils and community groups, making sure each project runs smoothly and delivers real benefits. Rachel's knack for data and analysis adds a depth of confidence to the projects she works on, with clients confident they're getting the best advice.
What Rachel loves most about her job is seeing the direct impact of her work. Whether it's a new community facility or a local program, she takes pride in knowing her efforts help regional towns and people prosper in the ways that matter most to them.
Sam's career began in the halls of government, where he advised ministers and managed nationwide programs. He learned how policy decisions are made and how big funding programs run, gaining insights that few others have.
These days, Sam is out in the field rather than behind a desk. He works side by side with Indigenous health services and communities across the Northern Territory, using his experience to help them navigate government systems and secure funding.
What drives Sam is seeing change happen where it’s needed most. He thrives on the relationships he builds in remote areas and is proud to play a part in improving health and wellbeing in regions that often get overlooked.
With more than three decades in the public service, Glen has seen and led a lot of change in some of Australia’s crucial social and economic policies. From overhauling employment programs to implementing new community initiatives, he's driven reforms that make a real difference on the ground.
Glen is our in-house expert on government funding programs across training and employment, particularly those focused on Indigenous communities. He uses his deep knowledge to help clients cut through bureaucracy and succeed in securing the support they need.
Known for his calm and steady leadership, Glen is at his best when he's working to turn clients' ideas into reality, often for those who don't know where to start. He prides himself on bridging the divide between government, business, and communities to get things done.
