An international student on the Gold Coast says he is on the brink of poverty because coronavirus job losses have forced too many competitors into his regular occupation as a food delivery driver.
Until two months ago, Brazilian Joao Castro was self-sufficient, earning enough delivering app-based food orders to support himself through his English language studies.
He now needs food and rental assistance to stay afloat.
"So many people lost their jobs so they're doing delivery now. It is very crowded," Mr Castro said.
"Sometimes I would do it for 12 hours and earn maybe $30."
Mr Castro's situation is complicated by the fact his student visa will expire next week.
It is expensive to renew and he is worried he will be forced to return to his home in Sao Paulo state, the coronavirus epicentre of Brazil.
"It is not a good idea to go there because it is a very bad situation. People cannot work and they cannot study," he said.
"At the moment my family are safe, but I am very scared about them there.
"I am in a very difficult situation now — I have to renew my visa, and after that I will pay for school again. It is huge money.
"I wish that I will be able to stay here, keep studying, working to earn money so I can help my family in Brazil."
'So many people in their 20s'
Mr Castro is one of hundreds of people who access the soup kitchen, grocery provision and advocacy services offered by St John's Crisis Centre in Surfers Paradise each week.
Manager Di Kozic says a combination of job losses as a result of coronavirus and government funding has caused a shift in the demographic of people accessing services.
"We are not seeing our regular clients because they have got enough money to feed themselves and pay their utility bills and all that (through federal funding)," she said.
"What we are seeing is a massive increase in young Brazilians, especially, who have all lost their jobs due to the hospitality closing down.
"I have had so many of them say to me, 'our parents have told us not to come home, that is it safer in Australia, we might be a little bit hungry but at least we are safe'.
"So many people in their 20s who were self-sufficient and have never had to access these types of services before."
