Galentine’s Day 2027 | Held+Free

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are the differences between the tickets?

  What’s the difference between With Drinks and Alcohol-Free tickets?
  Both tickets include the same bespoke shared lunch and the full Galentine’s program. With Drinks guests receive three yellow drink tokens. Alcohol-Free guests receive three pink tokens to use with mocktails, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

  Why is there an Alcohol-Free ticket?

  Women choose not to drink for all kinds of reasons: health, pregnancy, medication, faith, driving home, an early start the next day, or simply because they feel better without it. Whatever your reason, you don’t need to explain it, and you shouldn’t have to pay for drinks you won’t have. Alcohol-Free guests enjoy the same lunch, program and welcome as everyone else, with three non-alcoholic drinks on us.

  What can I use my drink tokens for?
  Each yellow token is good for one drink from our Galentine’s selection, which includes sparkling, white, red, rosé and beer. Each pink token is good for with mocktails, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

  What happens after I’ve used my three tokens?
  You’re welcome to buy more drinks. Please bring a debit or credit card for payment.

  I’m on an Alcohol-Free ticket but feel like a glass of bubbles. Can I buy one?
  Of course. You can buy any drink at the bar.

  I’m on a With Drinks ticket but would rather have a mocktail. Can I swap?
  Yes. Your yellow tokens can be used for mocktails too.

  Can I give my tokens to a friend?
  Tokens are yours to enjoy, so please don’t swap tokens between ticket types. Unused tokens can’t be refunded and are valid only on the day.

  Why aren’t drinks unlimited?
  Last year we learnt (the hard way!) that an open bar can quickly eat into the money we raise. Tokens keep our costs predictable, so more of your ticket goes to supporting women business owners through crisis. You still get to choose exactly what you drink. If you came along in 2026, you'll notice the ticket prices are actually cheaper across the board.

  What is a Pay It Forward ticket?
  It’s a ticket you buy for another woman. It gives a seat at Galentine’s to someone who’d love to be in the room but might not otherwise get there, perhaps because she’s in the middle of a tough season in her life or business.

  Who receives the ticket?
  Held+Free gives Pay It Forward tickets to women in our community who would benefit from an afternoon of connection, warmth and support. Every ticket is offered privately and with care.

• Is this a fundraiser? Where does the money go?

  What is Held+Free?
  Held+Free supports women business owners who are going through a personal crisis while running their business. That might be illness, caring for someone, grief, a relationship that doesn’t feel safe, or something she doesn’t have a name for yet.

  Why women business owners?
  When a woman who runs her own business hits a crisis, it rarely stays personal. It reaches her income, her clients, her team and her future. Many support services aren’t designed for that reality. Held+Free is.

  How did Held+Free start?
  Held+Free grew from a personal experience close to home. We launched publicly in early 2026 after our first Galentine’s lunch brought together more than 100 women. Weeks later, Held+Free won the 2026 Big Idea Award, announced on International Women’s Day.

  Where does the money from Galentine’s go?
  Every dollar raised goes towards building and running Held+Free’s support for women:

  • The Held Line. A confidential call back service. A woman books a time that suits her, and we call her back for up to an hour to listen, help her work out what matters most right now, and connect her with specialist help if she’d like it.

  • Held Companion. AI-powered guidance designed to give women trauma-informed, accurate answers whenever they need them.

  • Practical resources for women business owners, such as a Business Safety Plan.

  What’s the Held Line, and who can use it?
  The Held Line is for any woman business owner going through something difficult. She doesn’t need to be sure it’s serious enough, and she doesn’t need to have the words ready. Calls are confidential, go only to the number and times she chooses, and she can end the call at any time.

  Who’s behind Held+Free?
  Held+Free was founded by Kathy Rhodes and is guided by a board of directors with experience across business, finance, law, marketing and health. Held+Free Foundation Ltd is a registered charity with the ACNC.

  Is my ticket tax-deductible?
  No. Galentine’s is run by Held+Free’s social enterprise, Held and Free Pty Ltd, as a fundraiser for the Held and Free Foundation, and you receive an event ticket in exchange.

  Will women’s personal stories be shared on the day?
  Only ever with consent, and never as marketing. We protect the privacy of the women we support, and our sponsors partner with us on that basis.

  How else can I help?

  • Buy a Pay It Forward ticket for a woman who’d love to be there

  • Add a donation at checkout

  • Introduce us to a business that might sponsor Galentine’s

  • Follow us on Instagram at @held_and_free_women and share the word

  • You can also reach out to kathy@heldfree.com if you'd like to sponsor the event.

• How does Pay It Forward work?

  What is a Pay It Forward ticket?
  It’s a ticket you buy for another woman. It gives a seat at Galentine’s to someone who’d love to be in the room but might not otherwise get there, perhaps because she’s in the middle of a tough season in her life or business.

  Who receives the ticket?
  Held+Free gives Pay It Forward tickets to women in our community who would benefit from an afternoon of connection, warmth and support. Every ticket is offered privately and with care.

  Do I get to choose who receives it?
  You can either:

  • Leave it with us. We’ll match your ticket with a woman who’d love to come.

  • Nominate someone. If you know a woman who’d love to be there, add her name and email when you book, and we’ll reach out to her personally.

  Will she know the ticket came from me?
  Only if you’d like her to. Pay It Forward tickets are anonymous by default. If you’d like her to know who’s thinking of her, tick the box when you book and we’ll pass on your name.

  Will she stand out on the day?
  Never. Pay It Forward guests receive exactly the same ticket, lunch and welcome as everyone else. Nobody at the event will know how her seat was paid for unless she chooses to.

  Can I buy more than one?
  Absolutely. You can buy as many Pay It Forward tickets as you like, or gift a whole Besties Table to a group of women.

  Is my Pay It Forward ticket tax-deductible?
  No. Tickets aren’t tax-deductible, as you receive an event ticket in exchange. If you’d like to give more, you can add a donation at checkout to support Held+Free’s mission.

• What’s on the menu, and can you cater for my dietary needs?

  Food and dietary requirements

  What’s on the menu?
  Poetica’s kitchen is creating a bespoke shared menu for us. Like all of Poetica’s menus, it’s produce-driven and seasonal, so dishes may change slightly closer to the day.

  How do I tell you about my dietary requirements?
  Add them when you book your ticket. If your needs change, or you’re booking for others, email kathy@heldfree.com by Friday 29 January 2027. The kitchen needs final details a week before the event.

  Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests?
  Yes. Let us know when you book and Poetica will look after you.

  I have a serious allergy. Is the kitchen allergen-free?
  Poetica’s kitchen handles nuts, shellfish and gluten. While all reasonable efforts are made to accommodate dietary requirements, the venue can’t guarantee that any dish is completely allergen-free. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us before booking so we can talk to the kitchen for you.

• Where can I stay nearby?

  Meriton Suites North Sydney
  80 Arthur Street North Sydney NSW 2060
  meritonsuites.com.au
  Apartment-style suites with breathtaking views of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks: the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. Suites come with fully equipped gourmet kitchens and internal laundries, and the hotel is located just 5 minutes’ walk from North Sydney Train Station

  Rydges North Sydney
  54 McLaren Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
  rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/north-sydney
  The closest hotel to the Metro: Victoria Cross Metro Station just 50m from the hotel. From there it’s a short walk through to Denison Street. Room types include 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites as well as onsite underground parking, which suits besties sharing.

  Citadines Walker North Sydney
  88 Walker Street Level 5 North Sydney NSW 2060
  discoverasr.com/en/citadines/australia/citadines-walker-north-sydney
  Practically next door: listings put it a 1 min walk from the cafés at 1 Denison. It offers stylish Studios, and Premier Suites with kitchenettes.

  Vibe Hotel North Sydney
  171 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, NSW 2060
  vibehotels.com/hotel/north-sydney
  Located on the corner of Miller Street and the Pacific Highway, a short walk to Poetica. It has a heated outdoor swimming pool open from 6:00am to 10:30pm daily, which is nice for a February afternoon.

  Friday 12 February is close to Valentine’s Day, so book early.

• How do I get there using public transport?

  By Metro (easiest): Take the M1 Metro to Victoria Cross Station and use the Denison St exit. Poetica is right there, about 100 m from the station. From the city, catch the Metro from Central, Gadigal, Martin Place or Barangaroo.

  By train: Take the T1 North Shore Line to North Sydney Station, exit through Greenwood Plaza, and walk up to Denison Street (about 5 minutes).

  From the Central Coast: Take the Central Coast & Newcastle Line to Hornsby and change to the T1 North Shore Line for North Sydney. Or ride through to Central and take the Metro to Victoria Cross.

  By bus: Many services stop around Miller Street and the Pacific Highway. Plan your trip at transportnsw.info.

  Taxi or rideshare: Set your drop-off as 1 Denison Street, North Sydney.

• Where should I park?

  The Denison Car Park (Wilson Parking) · Denison Street
  The closest to Poetica.

  • Prepay online: Flexi Saver costs $34.00 - $37.00, depending on demand wilsonparking

  • Drive up on the day: 3+ hrs: $75.00 wilsonparking

  • Height clearance 1.90m wilsonparking

  • Book at Wilson Parking

  213 Miller Street Car Park (Wilson Parking) · 213 Miller Street
  Often the best-value prepaid option, a short walk along Miller Street.

  • Prepay online: Flexi Saver from $29.00 wilsonparking

  • Book at Wilson Parking

  Ward Street Car Park (North Sydney Council) · off Berry Street
  No booking needed, about a 5-minute walk away.

  • Weekdays: First hour is $11, then $8 per half hour after that. A 4-hour stay comes to about $59, with a daily maximum of $75 for parking between 7am and 6pm nswnsw

  • Height clearance 1.95 metres nsw

  • Ward Street car park details

  Greenwood Plaza Car Park (Wilson Parking) · 90 Pacific Highway
  About a 5-minute walk away.

  • Prepay online: Flexi Saver around $40 wilsonparking

  • Drive up: 2 - 3 hours: $75.00 greenwoodplaza

  • Book at Wilson Parking

• Is the venue accessible?

  Galentine's Day 2027 will be held at Poetica Bar & Grill, located on the mezzanine level of 1 Denison Street, North Sydney, directly beside Victoria Cross Metro Station.

  The venue is listed as offering disabled access, although specific entry arrangements and accessible bathroom facilities are being confirmed with the venue.

  We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable and included. If you have mobility, accessibility, sensory or other support requirements, please contact the Held+Free team before booking so we can discuss your needs and confirm the available arrangements.

  We will do everything reasonably possible to make your Galentine's Day experience enjoyable and inclusive.

• What if my plans change?

  Can I get a refund?
  Tickets aren’t refundable, but they are transferable. See below.

  Can I give my ticket to someone else?
  Yes. If you can’t make it, you’re welcome to pass your ticket to a friend and arrange payment between yourselves. Just email kathy@heldfree.com with her name and dietary requirements by Friday 29 January 2027, and we’ll update the booking so she’s on the guest list.

  When do ticket sales close?
  Friday 5 February 2027, or earlier if we sell out. Last year the event sold our two weeks in advance.

• I’d love to sponsor the event. How do I get involved?

  We’d love to hear from you. Galentine’s 2027 has a limited number of Gold, Silver and Bronze partnership packages, starting at $5,000. Each includes complimentary tickets, brand recognition on the day and across our channels, and a meaningful way to show your support for women business owners. Email partnerships@heldfree.com to request our sponsorship information.

  Not ready to sponsor but still want to help? You can donate a raffle prize. Every prize helps us raise more on the day, and we’ll thank you by name when it’s drawn. Email partnerships@heldfree.com with a short description of your prize and its value.

  Can I donate a raffle prize?
  Yes, please! Raffle prizes help us raise more for women business owners on the day, and every donor is thanked by name when their prize is drawn. Email partnerships@heldfree.com with a short description of your prize and its value, and we’ll be in touch about delivery.