Consultancy
What we do
With extensive experience across government, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors, our team delivers impactful short- and long-term projects across a diverse range of areas, including:
- training and education
- safety testing
- resources and support
- research and policy
- advocacy
How we work
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We partner with researchers, universities, and industry leaders to drive evidence-based research in underexplored areas, such as motor vehicle transport for people with disabilities. We excel at translating research into actionable policy and real-world practice, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact.
One of MACA’s greatest strengths is its ability to quickly turn research into practical policies and resources that support and guide allied health professionals in their practice.
Helen Lindner
Helen is the founder and Chief Executive of MACA, recognised for her innovation, collaboration, and leadership in advancing safe and equitable transport for people with disabilities and medical conditions. She draws on extensive experience across early childhood, policy, road safety, and organisational leadership to drive meaningful change.
A qualified early childhood educator with experience in service management, Helen began her road safety career at VicRoads in 2009 as a Senior Project Manager, working across research, policy, and program development. She went on to hold senior leadership roles at VicRoads, including Manager of Statewide Programs and Director of Practice, Standards and Solutions in the Registration and Licensing Division.
In these roles, Helen undertook international study tours, presented at global forums, and contributed as an active member of the Austroads Registration and Licensing Taskforce. In 2018, she initiated the world’s first global summit of Registration and Licensing authorities, an event that continues today.
Today, Helen is recognised as a leading global child restraint expert, regularly presenting at national and international conferences, including the Protection of Children in Cars Conference in Germany (2022–2024).
Emma Clarkson
Emma is a Director and founding member of MACA with over a decade of experience in road safety and the transport sector. She brings a diverse background in health promotion, public relations, innovation, and education, giving her a unique perspective on creating meaningful change.
A qualified secondary educator, Emma began her road safety career at VicRoads in 2009 as a Senior Project Manager, where she gained extensive experience in research, policy, and the delivery of innovative education programs. She has since held senior roles in road safety policy and corporate innovation, and in 2016 completed an international study tour of world-leading organisations in innovation.
Emma has led internationally recognised initiatives including SunSmart, the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, and Starting Out Safely (Victoria’s early childhood road safety program). More recently, she designed and implemented innovative education programs for the Transport Accident Commission’s award-winning Road to Zero experience at Melbourne Museum, including a Year 12 Health and Human Development app.
How MACA can support you
With deep industry knowledge and a track record of delivering evidence-based initiatives, MACA specialises in delivering projects that drive safer road outcomes for all people, including those with disability.
MACA provides:
- consultancy services for government and organisations on projects aligned with MACA’s vision. This includes research and reviews, training and resource development and policy and program development
- tailored professional development for allied health teams and organisations
- keynote presentations and speaking engagements
- strategic guidance to government and industry
- expert witness services
Read more about our impactful work below.
2022-2025
Leading research to advance road safety for children with disability
Austroads engaged MACA to investigate the use of specialty harnesses and vests in vehicles for children with disabilities - the only project of its kind globally.
Over two years, MACA conducted extensive research across Australia and New Zealand. This project has greatly improved understanding in this area, shaping better road safety outcomes for children with disabilities.
2024 - 2025
Driving the future
Technology in light vehicles is advancing rapidly, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) enhancing safety through lane-keeping, parking, crash avoidance, and more.
As ADAS adoption grows across Australasia, a nationally coordinated approach is crucial to maximise its road safety benefits.
Recognising MACA’s expertise, Austroads engaged our team to develop an inception report and project plan, guiding efforts to equip drivers with the knowledge and skills to safely operate ADAS-equipped vehicles.
2020 - ONGOING
Sparking innovation in product design
Following research into the challenges of buckle release, we issued an industry call to action to collaborate with MACA to develop innovative product solutions that comply with Australian standards and meet the needs of children with disabilities and medical conditions.
In response, Freedom Solutions secured Australian Government funding to deliver ‘Safe Ride: In-Vehicle Assistive Technology Innovation’ - an initiative to develop and patent multiple innovative solutions for preventing unintended buckle release in moving vehicles.
MACA presented at the Safe Ride launch event in mid-2024 and will oversee the independent assessment of new products through our Australian Safety Assessment Program (AuSAP).
2020
Enhancing road safety education programs
Kew Traffic School (KTS) provides vital road safety education programs for school, kindergarten, and childcare groups, helping children develop confidence and independence as road users.
Recognising the importance of delivering high-quality, evidence-based education, the City of Boroondara engaged MACA team members to review KTS’s community road safety programs.
Our team conducted a comprehensive assessment and provided expert recommendations to ensure KTS delivers an effective, best-practice road safety education program.
