Zia is originally from Afghanistan and works in the defence manufacturing and agricultural industries in Bendigo. He journeyed to Australia in 2010, spending the next 3 years touring the detention camps of Australia. On getting his SHEV visa in 2016 he moved to Bendigo to meet its regional work requirements. He is an active member of the Hazara Community of Bendigo. He is an invaluable member of the RAR Bendigo CRISP team.