Tugun’s Jack Concannon celebrates 90th birthday with thanks to neighbours

A Gold Coast man has had the most incredible 90th birthday celebration despite being able to leave his apartment, thanks to an amazing act by residents of a Gold Coast unit block. SEE THE VIDEO OF WHAT HAPPENED

A GOLD COAST 90-year-old has enjoyed a memorable birthday despite being stuck indoors after friends and neighbours serenaded him from their balconies.

Because of the strict coronavirus measures, Tugun local Jack Concannon thought he was unable to share his special day – until he heard singing from outside his window.

A group of long time neighbours had spent the week arranging the birthday surprise for Mr Concannon and joined together in song yesterday morning.

Jack Concannon enjoys a glass of champagne after being serenaded by neighbours.

Neighbour Meg Kelly said almost all of the neighbours in the Ariella complex helped wish Mr Concannon a happy birthday.

“We thought why not do something like the Italians did, let’s serenade him,” Dr Kelly said.

“Originally we were just going to make a card for him but the idea grew, there were invitations put out to neighbours.

“Even people across the park joined in.

“He was smiling from ear to ear.”

A few kids in the complex also spelt out ‘happy birthday’ on the ground using household items tossed down by neighbours.

The sign made by local children from household items.

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Mr Concannon’s daughter Peta Concannon said the surprise was a lovely shock for her father.

“He was thrilled, he even popped a bottle of champagne at the end of their song,” Dr Concannon said.

“It was kept a total secret from him too.

“It was a lovely gesture.”

Mr Concannon, a father of two, spent most of his life in Maryborough as a ship engineer.

Passionate about his work he published a book in 2009 called Shipbuilding at Walkers Limited.”

He has a younger brother who was born almost a year after him in 1931 – for 20 days a year they are the same age.