Canberra’s musically gifted public servants are being called on to join this year’s Department of Rock.

Founder Leanne Thompson joined us to explain how the public-service battle of the bands works and encourage local musicians to register.

Entrants can perform in an existing band or form a new one, with each group taking to the stage at Smith’s Alternative for three songs. Covers, original tracks and public-service-inspired parodies are all welcome.

Registrations close on September 20, with the first heat beginning on September 29. The competition then continues through to the grand final in December, raising money for small local charities along the way.

Hear Leanne Thompson explain how to register and what entrants can expect below.

For more details, head to deptofrock.com.au