NARRA Tribute to Mothers & Fathers 2017

Floren Fernandez
Floren is a loving husband to Michelle Fernandez and they are blessed
with two lovely children, Erlia Louise and Kyle Francis, all grown-up
and are Floren’s and Michelle’s inspiration in life.
Bong as he is fondly called completed his Bachelor’s degree in Information
Technology (IT) and Management at Polytechnic University of the
Philippines. He had been working in the IT industry for 31 years and
decided to retire from the corporate world three years ago ending his
illustrious career in IT managing Software and System Development teams from
various companies such as DHL, Australia Post Logistics, Dexton, Par
Microsystem and other medium to large companies.
Currently, Bong is a successful entrepreneur and proprietor
of a Vodafone dealership business offering consumers and
the business sectors mobile phone plans and devices. His
business also involves mobile phone repairs and accessories.
Bong is a loving husband and a good provider as well
as role model to his children. He is very appreciative to
NARRA and Plaza Pilipino for choosing him to be one
of the honorees in this year’s Tribute to Fathers and
Mothers.
Richard Ford
Richard James Ford was born on Anzac Day. At 16 he was a youth leader in the Anglican Church. After high
school he joined the Royal Australian Army Medical/Nursing Corps until his services ended in 1977. In
1988 he received the Diploma of Welfare from TAFE. He studied for a Diploma in Biblical Studies at Moore
Theological College which he completed in 1985. He has been preaching and leading services since 1990 until his
assignment as branch and district leader. He received an Award of Merit for his services to the youth. He also joined
the State Emergency Services in Canterbury District and rose to the rank of Staff Officer Welfare.
Richard is happily married to Dian for 25 years. They have a son Gilmore. Richard is a devoted and
caring parent. Despite his studies in accountancy, computing, management and business he
found time to teach Gilmore Christian values. Being a father is quite challenging for him. In
2015, he quit and devoted his time to his family especially his son. He strongly recommends
to all fathers the verse from Scripture, Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not exasperate your
children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction in the Lord.” Fathers must
surrender any right they may feel they have to act unreasonably towards their children.
This merges well with the religious values of the Filipino-Australian community.
Richard is an active in the Filipino Australian community. He is a member of Fil-Oz
Liverpool and several Filipino-Australian community organizations including the
Visayan Association of Australia of which he has been a member since 2003 and
Alliance of Philippine Community Organizations since 2010. He was elected press
relations officer of three Filipino-Australian Community Groups three times since
2006. He is one of the founding members of the Filpresssyd Group and attended
a workshop on press writing three times in 2009. He feels that his professional
qualifications is no match to being a professional father. This is something he
learned from experience with an amount of emotional and mental struggle and
society’s expectations. Since Richard’s marriage to Dian he has learnt so much
about Filipino family values.