Inside-government experience, outside-government results.

Former government advisers, policy specialists and regional development professionals. Tap anyone to read their story.

We wanted to take everything we learned inside government and do real, tangible good with it. That is our way of making a difference.

Andrew Morris & Ryan Piper, Founders

Let's work together.

Get in touch to discuss how we can help your community or organisation.

office@morrispiper.com

Andrew Morris

Founder/Director

Andrew has spent the majority of his life living and working across regional and remote Australia and is driven to make a difference for these communities by applying his extensive knowledge of policy development and program delivery, particularly in the grant space.

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.

Work with Andrew

Ryan Piper

Founder/Director

Ryan has a wealth of experience from inside key bureaucracies and more than 6 years in politics at the highest level. He has advised top level ministers and a wide spectrum of Members and Senators on issues relating to funding programs and associated delivery, regional development initiatives, and infrastructure investment policy.

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.

Work with Ryan

Rob Terrill

Senior Consultant - Policy and Strategy

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. With 18 years’ experience working in government, both as a Public Servant and as a senior consultant, Rob brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the team.

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.

Work with Rob

Rachel Latham

Senior Consultant - Western NSW

Rachel traded the hustle of Sydney for the community spirit of regional NSW to follow her passion for regional development. She now manages our clients and projects across Western NSW, helping bring local priorities to life.

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.

Work with Rachel

Michael Alchin

Senior Consultant - Contracts/Deeds

Michael has four decades of federal government experience and a down-to-earth style rooted in his regional NSW upbringing. He’s the person you call when you need to sort out grants — ideally before they go awry — but he loves a challenge regardless.

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.

Work with Michael

Sam Shirley

Senior Consultant - NT Region

After years in government working on regional development, Sam now works closely with organisations and remote communities in the NT. He’s passionate about improving outcomes in remote areas and brings his on-the-ground experience to every project.

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.

Work with Sam

Glen Hansen

Senior Consultant - Skills and Employment

Glen Hansen is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in public service. He excels in crafting strategic solutions, managing large-scale projects, and driving reforms that positively impact communities across Australia.

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.

Work with Glen

Saskia Morris

Consultant & Executive Officer

Saskia brings an artistic eye and a genuinely broad perspective to Morris Piper, drawn from years spent managing and securing grant funding across the academic and research sector.

That mix gives her a balanced, nuanced read on every project. She understands the creative ambition behind an idea and the rigour a funder expects to see beside it, and she knows how to hold both at once.

As Executive Officer, Saskia also shapes the systems and structure behind the company. She designs and looks after the architecture that lets the whole team do their best work, so our energy goes to the people we are here to help rather than the admin around them.

Work with Saskia