Alex Lia (2012)
Alex Lia (they/them, 2012) has been named an inaugural recipient of the prestigious Pfitzner Scholarship, established by the Australian Red Cross in memory of its late CEO, Kym Pfitzner. The scholarship supports emerging humanitarian leaders to design a 12 month leadership journey and share their learnings to inspire others.
An international lawyer specialising in human rights and international humanitarian law, Alex has built an impressive career advocating for social justice and legal reform. They are particularly passionate about promoting the rights of LGBTIQA+ communities and will soon commence a role as Senior Legal Policy Advisor at Equality Australia, a national organisation dedicated to equality for LGBTIQ+ people.
Alex recently concluded their role leading the Human Rights and Social Policy Team within the ACT Government. Reflecting on their time in government, Alex said, "It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such a committed group of people delivering meaningful human rights law reform and legislative scrutiny outcomes."
The Pfitzner Scholarship will enable Alex to accompany Dr Helen Durham AO to the 2026 Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Geneva, providing a unique opportunity to engage with humanitarian leaders from around the world.
Alex currently serves as Deputy Chair and former Chair of the ACT Divisional Advisory Board of the Australian Red Cross, is a member of the ACT International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee, and acts as an adviser to Dr Helen Durham AO on the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Beyond their professional work, Alex is the founder of Queer Run CBR, an initiative supported by the ACT Government’s Capital of Equality Connection Fund, and is also a mentor with the Pinnacle Foundation, helping support and empower young LGBTIQA+ Australians.
In acknowledging the scholarship, Alex expressed sincere gratitude to Kym Pfitzner's wife, Mandy, for her commitment to continuing her husband's legacy of supporting emerging leaders in the humanitarian sector.
Alex also congratulated fellow inaugural scholarship recipient Mathew Brice, with both recipients recognised for their dedication to humanitarian service and leadership.
The Ballarat Grammar community congratulates Alex on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to following the next chapter of their remarkable career.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
