For Immediate Release: 9 September 2010

On 4 October 1961, Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Ted Whitten, Phillip Brady, Brian Naylor and a host of other celebrities joined Bill Pratt as he opened his Pratt's Supermart at the end of the Heart Arcade in Frankston.

Not only was Mr. Pratt's the first supermarket in Australia, it went on to become the nation's first Safeway. As Safeway Australia's first boss, Mr. Pratt himself would become one of the giants of Australian business, being inducted into the Frankston City Hall of Fame in 2008.

On Saturday, 18 September Mr. Pratt and 3AW's Phillip Brady (also at the 1961 launch) will be going back to where it all started to officially 're-launch' The Heart Arcade. After many years with more shops empty than occupied, the Heart Arcade is ready to attract the shoppers once again.

To celebrate the launch, which runs from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, there will be fashion shows on the catwalk at 12:15pm and 1:15pm, performances from the funky Blackwater Riff - winner of this year's Battle of the Bands - and free coffee! Bill Pratt and Phillip Brady will officially re-open the arcade at 1:00pm.

Other highlights of the re-opening include:

• Cash prize draw - three prizes: $150, $100 and $50 courtesy of Gifts Plus. All attendees can enter the draw. Prizes to be drawn at 2:00pm
• Free hair cuts courtesy of Well-Cut Hairdressing
• Free coffee courtesy of BAT design. BAT design are also offering a business pack special on the day (business cards, envelopes and letterheads)
• 100 free coin sets and half price jewellery and opals at John's Coins and Jewellery Exchange
• Free gifts and 60% off all items at fashion boutique Diamond in the Rough
• A buy two, get one free offer from The Frankston Book Exchange
• A barbecue thanks to the Rotary Club of Frankston.

Frankston City Mayor Christine Richards said: "The Heart Arcade was one of the original, vibrant shopping strips in Frankston.

"I love the way the traders have created such a fantastic re-launch and have got Bill Pratt, one of our City's greats, involved. The reinvigoration of this arcade shows us all that change is in the air in Frankston."

The Mayor confirmed community support for the Heart of Frankston campaign has been overwhelming, with hundreds of residents making submissions.

The Heart Arcade is located on Wells Street, Frankston, just 50 metres from the corner of Young Street.

END

CONTACTS:
Emma Smith                                                       Katrina Bowman
Phone: 9784 1005 or 0408 580 114                  Phone: 9784 1059 or 0428 215 105
Email: emma.smith@frankston.vic.gov.au          Email: katrina.bowman@frankston.vic.gov.au