Rock on, public servants! Registrations are now open for your own battle of the bands

Posted on 1 September, 2025

For those who are about to write policy and then rock, we salute you.

It’s quite possibly one of the most “Canberra” focused music events on our calendar, and now registrations are open for anyone looking to rock on with Dept of Rock’s 2025 Public Battle of the Bands.

Created to ‘flip the script’ on the notion of ‘boring public servants’, each year the Dept of Rock – in partnership with Smith’s Alternative – organises a fun and friendly Battle of the Bands competition for ACT and Federal Government public servants.

Seeing amateur bands of public servant rockstars take the stage to play three songs in front of a supportive audience and friendly judges, the competition will run over several shows between October and December at Smith’s Alternative, with a lucky few playing in the final for the title of winner of Dept of Rock 2025.

Also raising funds for local charities in the process, registration for Dept of Rock’s 2025 Battle of the Bands competition is now open until 17 September or when the heats are full.

And with plenty of public servants out there ready to shed their lanyards for guitar picks, you’d better hurry so you don’t miss out on a spot.

Interested, or know someone who is? Go to deptofrock.com.au for event info and entry forms or send an email to deptofrock111@gmail.com and they’ll be in touch to tell you everything you need to know.

Just make sure you’re ready to rock, because this competition is sure to be hot.