From the outside, Pete Morris’ home might look like any other terrace in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. But step inside and you’ll find Magpie Terrace, a living tribute to the Club that shaped his life.
For Morris, Collingwood is a legacy, a rhythm and a source of pride that runs deeper than wins and losses.
“I’ve always loved Collingwood,” Morris said.
“When I was seven, I’d lie on my bed and listen to them on the radio.”
A childhood devotion, passed down from his mum and grandfather, grew into a lifelong commitment and one that now fuels his passion for giving back to the community that has been present for the entirety of his life.
For Morris, one story throughout his family’s history stands out.
In 1915, his grandfather lived across from Victoria Park and had lost his job at Carlton United Brewery. Unemployed and unable to afford the rent on the cusp of World War I, life for his grandfather was uncertain. So, he swallowed his pride and reached out to its landlord.
The landlord, who happened to be the infamous Melbourne entrepreneur, businessman, and Collingwood Football Club devotee, John Wren, who generously paid his rent while he got back on his feet.
This act of generosity planted a seed in Morris’ family forever - compassion, community, and Collingwood.
By age 15, Morris was attending games at Victoria Park solo, eventually joining the cheer squad and helping make the banners. The Club became a thread woven through his life.
Pete Morris commisioned a one-of-a-kind painting by Lucy Tanami, an artist from the Barkly Regional Arts Centre in Tennant Creek – Collingwood’s NGA region.
“For me, my connection to Collingwood is sacred,” Morris said. “Even though people come and go through the Club, the thread of Collingwood stays.”
But Morris’ generosity extends far beyond the time he’s dedicated to creating banners and supporting the team he loves.
In January 2015, Morris co-founded LiveLife Alarms with business partner Phil Mathieson. LiveLife Alarms provide medical equipment to support seniors who are at risk of falls.
LiveLife Alarms works by sending help alerts via text to its listed emergency contacts to the user’s location. They have since expanded their product range to easy-to-use safety watches and alarm pendants.
Morris not only contributes financially to the Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation, but has provided staff at the Magpie Nest Cafe and the women living in the Magpie Nest houses LiveLife Alarm watches to instantly call for help if they feel unsafe or encounter a challenging situation.
“We sent more alarms to the cafe and Magpie Nest Housing. People now feel a sense of safety. They can press a button and get help, that adds another layer of support beyond financial donations.”
It’s a tangible way to protect and empower those doing it tough, reinforcing the connection between business and community.
Morris’ business LiveLife Alarms is thriving, but for him, success isn’t about profit.
“It feels wrong not to help others who aren’t getting what they deserve,” Morris says.
"You can actually see and touch what is happening in the Magpie Nest Cafe in person. When our leadership team volunteered, they were so moved. It had a real impact on us.”
The staff at the Magpie Nest Cafe have begun wearing LiveLife Alarms watches during their shifts for the ability to instantly call for help if they feel unsafe or encounter a challenging situation.
That impact has rippled through his organisation.
Morris and Mathieson have built a business on the belief that success should be shared. After seeing the leadership team volunteer, more staff have wanted to get involved.
“Our business is about helping people,” He continued.
“Compassion is necessary. Yes, people can waste opportunities but you still have to show compassion and hope they meet the opportunity.”
He’s inspired by the work of Brendan Nottle (from Project 614) and the Magpie Nest Cafe team who understand that escaping poverty isn’t always so simple.
“Some people don’t even have a birth certificate. Without that, they can’t access Medicare, Centrelink or housing. Brendan’s team thinks through every step to help people become independent.”
“I give back because Collingwood gave me so much,” He said.
“Even when we lose on the field, we win in the community. That’s what matters.”
