 When this restaurant opened its doors nine years ago, the rulebook went out the window. Atlental, as anything, conventional business wisdom is ignored. Instead of paying a set price for meals, diners are given the freedom to only pay what they can. The reaction was amazement initially, but then people warmed to it. They realised that this is not a gimmick, this guy's a serious. Shanaka Finando operates two restaurants and a school canteen, as well as a number of other support programmes for new migrants, which range from crisis accommodation to driver training. He says customers appreciate the restaurant's focus on giving back to communities. It's a friend in need, and that's what I think facilitates integration into a new country. Shanaka's work to promote multicultural diversity in Australia earned him some well-deserved recognition in 2007, when he was named Australia's local hero. But in 2009, times are tougher than they used to be. The hard economic times have impacted on us as well, so whilst we're doing a lot more meals, people are donating less. Some 60 volunteers work at the restaurants, doing their bit to keep them afloat during the economic downturn. They say it's hugely rewarding to be involved. Because I was 20 years old now, that's the most remarkable thing in my life, to be involved in such a great organisation. Many turn up for work even when they aren't rusted on. That's the most beautiful thing about this place. You don't feel like working at all. It's like relaxing, sitting in the house with your brothers and sisters. All the time, I meet new people from different countries. Doesn't matter where they come from. Volunteers also benefit professionally, improving their workplace and language skills to help them move forward into paid careers. I've never worked in a restaurant before, but I got all the skills, being a waiter and serving customers. Lentil as anything, restaurants are open in St Kilda and Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne.