We sat down with Mel Flavell, Agency Owner of Express Employment Professionals Newcastle North, to talk about what it means to launch a new staffing business, why Newcastle is different, and what she's most excited about for the future. 

Not many people spend more than two decades in recruitment and still get excited about building something new. Mel Flavell is doing exactly that. 

As the Agency Owner of the newly launched Express Employment Professionals Newcastle North office, Mel is bringing more than 20 years of recruitment experience to businesses and job seekers across the region. Already known throughout Northern NSW as the owner of Frontline Education and Frontline Retail Northern NSW, Mel has built her reputation by helping organisations find the right people and helping individuals build meaningful careers. 

Now, she's taking that experience into the staffing and workforce solutions space with Express Employment Professionals Newcastle North. 

Building on More Than 20 Years of Recruitment Experience 

Mel's recruitment journey has been shaped by one thing above all else: a deep understanding of Newcastle and Regional NSW. 

"Regional recruitment isn't simply a smaller version of city recruitment," Mel explains. "The relationships are closer, reputations travel faster, and the impact of a great hire can be felt across an entire business." 

Over the past two decades, she's built and led recruitment businesses Newcastle and the Northern NSW region, working alongside employers, candidates, recruiters and business owners. Those experiences have given her a practical understanding of what regional businesses need and how to deliver recruitment solutions that actually work. 

For Mel, the decision to launch Express Employment Professionals Newcastle North was a natural next step. 

"After more than 20 years in recruitment, I still love this industry. The opportunity to build a staffing business that provides flexible workforce solutions while helping local employers grow was something I couldn't pass up." 

Why Newcastle North? 

Newcastle continues to be home to a diverse and growing business community. From manufacturing and logistics to administration, customer service and industrial operations, employers need access to reliable, flexible talent more than ever. 

Express Newcastle North has been established to meet that need. 

The office will provide tailored staffing and workforce solutions designed to help businesses quickly connect with quality candidates while giving job seekers access to opportunities that match their skills, goals and circumstances. 

For Mel, it's about creating lasting partnerships rather than simply filling vacancies. 

"Every business is different, and every candidate has their own story. Taking the time to understand both sides is what leads to successful placements and stronger outcomes for everyone involved." 

More Than Recruitment 

While recruitment has always been Mel's profession, coaching and mentoring have become some of her greatest passions. 

Throughout her career, she's worked closely with recruiters looking to grow their careers and small business owners navigating the challenges of building successful organisations. 

Her approach is simple: practical advice, honest conversations, and real-world experience. 

"No jargon. No fluff. Just guidance that comes from having made the mistakes, learned the lessons, and found what works." 

That commitment to helping people succeed is a major part of what she hopes to bring to the Newcastle North business community through Express. 

An Exciting New Chapter 

Launching Express Employment Professionals Newcastle North isn't the only milestone Mel is celebrating. 

She has recently completed her first book, Job Ready, a practical guide designed to help young people confidently prepare for and secure their first job. 

The project has been a passion of hers for some time and reflects her ongoing commitment to helping people enter and succeed in the workforce. 

"Getting the manuscript out of my head and into the hands of a publisher is a milestone I'll never forget." 

Like her recruitment career, the book is focused on providing practical, actionable advice that helps people take the next step with confidence. 

What's Next for Express Newcastle North? 

For Mel, the future is all about community. 

The goal is to build strong relationships with local businesses, support job seekers across the region, and become a trusted workforce partner throughout Newcastle North. 

"If you're looking for a fast, flexible staffing solution, Express Newcastle North is here to help. We can't wait to get into the community, meet local businesses, and match great people with brilliant companies." 

Whether you're hiring, looking for your next opportunity, growing your recruitment career, or interested in learning more about Job Ready, Mel is always happy to connect. 

Because at the heart of everything she does is a simple belief: great opportunities start with great people. 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Express Employment Professionals Newcastle North is now helping businesses connect with quality talent and supporting job seekers across the Newcastle. Get in touch with Mel Flavell and the team to learn how they can help your business grow or assist with your next career move.