The concert was organised as a birthday treat by the daughters of one of the residents, Richard Gray, who turned 82, on April 1, but who hadn't seen his family face-to-face for weeks, due to the risk of the virus to older people.

It was difficult not to feel teary as people sat on their balconies to hear the music, waved at friends across the way, sipped on a wine or beer and sang along to the classics of their era, A White Sports Coat (and a pink carnation), You Make Me Feel So Young, Edelweiss, Come Fly with Me and What a Wonderful World, to name a few.

And, of course, everyone sang happy birthday to Mr Gray, who only retired when he was 80, his jobs including director at Catholic Health Australia, general manager of the 3AW radio station in Melbourne and manager of the commercial TV station in Wagga Wagga, RVN Channel 2.

"What a surprise, I couldn't believe it," he said, of the carpark concert.

His daughter Jo Gray, of Mawson, was in the carpark to watch.

She was also FaceTiming with sister Karen, who was in Melbourne, to show her the concert.

"It was wonderful, an awesome atmosphere," Jo said.

The family had been missing Mr Gray.

"We FaceTimed on his birthday and left a gift outside which he picked up," Jo said.

"It's very strange but we are using technology to stay together."

Mr Gray's 11-year-old grandson Jack had even been playing chess with him remotely - they text each other a picture of the board and then each other's moves.

Mr Gray said he was doing his best not to leave his home during the pandemic.

"At 82 with a heart condition and a pacemaker, I'm in the group that is vulnerable," he said.

"I would also not like to go out and risk spreading it to others."

The concert was a lovely distraction, and a hint of better times, with Thursday nights usually happy hour in the clubhouse for the residents, before social distancing.

"It was a lovely thought and a lovely gesture. Much appreciated," Mr Gray said, of the outdoor concert.

Tony Haley also enjoyed the chance to sing in public again. He hasn't done so since March 13 due to the pandemic.

"I've had all my gigs cancelled through to July," he said.

"It's just good to get out and have a sing."

Goodwin Village manager Deb Eivers said the residents were staying positive, despite not being able to have visitors and other restrictions on their movement due to the pandemic.

"This is a really positive village and the residents think, 'Well, if we can't have happy hour in the clubhouse, we'll have it on the balcony'," Mrs Eivers said.

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