Dept of Rock, in partnership with Smith’s Alternative, is showcasing and encouraging the talents of amateur musicians working in the ACT and Federal Government public sectors by hosting fun and friendly live music events. Our headline event is an annual Battle of the Bands competition and we run All Stars gigs for bands who have been part of our band competitions. ​Canberra is a ‘public service town’ and our public sector workforce has many musical creatives in its ranks. The list below of departments/entities involved in the 2024 event is an example!

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The Dept of Rock is celebrating our unique city and the talented people that work in government through our annual Battle of the Bands competition. We welcome registrations from existing and new amateur bands including ensembles that form just for the fun of playing in the competition. ​Remember: Battle of the Bands is a competition but the event is really about supporting people to have fun, be creative, collaborate and connect with others and experience the thrill of live music performance. If you enter, please don’t make winning your main goal and please don’t take not winning as failure.

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Dept of Rock's annual Battle of the Bands is a fun and friendly competition while raising money for local charities. The competition will include a series of heats, semi finals and a final - with bands playing their best three songs to impress judges and the audience. Prizes will be awarded including a grand prize for the winner at the final.

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