Dressed in a bikini, David "Princess" Buncombe has been turning heads in Surfers Paradise for more than 20 years.
Now, the 61-year-old homeless "child of God" has become the focus of an online campaign, as friends try to find the local identity a permanent place to call home.
A Facebook post is asking people if they know of any available accommodation in Surfers Paradise that could be rented on behalf of Princess.
Originally from country New South Wales, Princess moved to the Gold Coast two decades ago and since then has oscillated between temporary accommodation and living on the streets.
"I stand out I suppose," Princess said.
"Every now and then I come across someone who doesn't like the way I dress, and I try to keep away from them.
Jan Martin is one of those friends.
Ms Martin and her husband moved to Surfers Paradise from New Zealand 14 years ago, and over the years she has become a regular fixture in Princess's life.
Ms Martin says she buys her friend a coffee every few days and has become very protective.
"He's a nice chap. He's just had an unfortunate life."
The kindness of strangers
Princess survives on a pension and regularly receives charity from passersby.
"Food and stuff comes across my path," Princess said.
"One of the kebab shops gives me a free kebab every day."
Dianne Kozik, the general manager of the St John's Crisis Centre in Surfers Paradise, said Princess was well known to charity organisations on the Gold Coast.
"Even the police know him and they don't move him on and they're kind to him.
"Generally homeless people are not treated like he is treated unfortunately."
There are a large number of homeless people living on the Gold Coast, with many of them regularly moved on from parks and public areas by authorities.
Ms Kozik said the St John's Crisis Centre provided more than 33,000 meals in the past financial year, a substantial increase on the centre's usual output of between 40 and 60 meals each day.
She said Princess had been in crisis accommodation before and she hoped a permanent solution could be found.
"I pray it does," Ms Kozik said.
"But it just doesn't work for everyone unfortunately, and the problem is actually being able to find accommodation."
A home fit for Princess
Ms Martin said any accommodation that was found for Princess would have to be in the centre of Surfers Paradise.
"He was in a one-bedroom place and I know they put him out because he wore bikinis and his state of dress.
"He does his washing when he can. He's clean.
"If he had a little apartment, a one-bedroom apartment, just along here [in Cavill Avenue] and everyone left him alone to do his own thing, he'd be fine."
Daniel Yelkovan says he has been trying to find Princess suitable accommodation for three months.
The recruitment firm owner said he was willing to pay $15,000 per year to move Princess into a safe place.
"Back in 2000 he may have been happy to sleep under the stars," Mr Yelkovan said.
"He may want to go and sit down and 'people watch' all day, but at least he can go home, lay on a bed and watch TV.
