Volunteers play a major role in mega and major events, both cultural and sporting, contributing invaluable human resources. Frequently described as the “unsung heroes” of such events, relatively little is known about this group of workers when compared to volunteers who give regular and long-term commitment to their area of interest. This paper focuses on perceptions of volunteering at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, as reported in the print media. The study adopts an extended timeframe and reports on volunteers over the full event cycle from recruitment through training and the actual event, concluding with consideration of the Games aftermath. The findings highlight various positive and negative aspects, related to this type of mega event, that have potential to influence the public face of volunteering and in the process suggest key areas for further research.