About Us

Dept of Rock came to life after old school friends Nigel McRae and Leanne Thompson were chatting about putting on a Battle of the Bands competition for the public servants at Smith’s Alternative. As the owners of Canberra’s most beloved live music venue, Nigel and partner Beth Tully, knew of many local musos working in the public service - as did Leanne, herself a former public servant who had got into live music via a work band.

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Leanne pondered the Dept of Rock concept and, in collaboration with Nigel and Beth, launched the inaugural Dept of Rock Battle of the Bands competition at Smiths in late 2023. The aim was simple yet impactful: to create a lively and welcoming band competition for public sector workers in the ACT and federal government sectors, showcasing and nurturing musical talent while dispelling stereotypes about 'boring public servants'.

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What followed exceeded all expectations. Dept of Rock's inaugural competition was a huge success and the public service battle of the bands competition is now an annual feature in the Canberra event calendar. Dept of Rock is also performing in Canberra Comedy Festival and hosts All Stars shows at Smith's Alternative.

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​Dept of Rock is unfunded and relies on the generous support of the local community to operate. Thank you to the amazing people who donate their time to sit on judging panels, local businesses that donate prizes for finalists, friends in local and national media that help to promote Dept of Rock events and of course the fantastic musicians that play their hearts out to our adoring audiences.  Rock on Canberra!