Is it wrong to expect encouragement from managers on career growth?

About six months ago I told the head of the office that I was interested in moving to another group within our company. She said they weren’t currently hiring in that department due to a hiring freeze but that I would be the “first to know” when there was an opening.

I have been in my current role for too long and probably should have left the company several years ago, but I enjoy my job and kept hoping that something would come up.

The other day I learned through a coworker that the job I wanted was posted a week ago. We are a fairly small office and nobody said a word to me. I know she’s aware that I am interested so I assume this means they don’t want me for the job. Is it wrong of me to want encouragement to apply? Does the fact that nobody discusses career growth mean that they don’t see me advancing?