hiKKup advisory
Walking our client's through life's hiKKups
Our Story
I'm Katie Kandelaars, Managing Director of hiKKup advisory.
I hold a PhD in Mathematics and Behavioural Science, with a BSc in Mathematics. I've spent two decades working in infrastructure advisory—from managing major transport projects to leading asset strategy for government agencies across Australia.
Being an infrastructure consultant is in my DNA. I thrive on the complexity: taking messy data, complex stakeholder dynamics, and long-term asset challenges, then turning them into clear strategy and delivery.
For years I led large teams and managed multiple major clients. As with many busy parents, I struggled balancing the demands of a suite of clients, a large team, family, and life outside work. After some soul searching about what actually matters, hiKKup advisory was born.
My vision is simple: work on great projects with great people, and have some fun along the way. We focus on deep expertise in infrastructure advisory—asset strategy, public transport, data-driven decision-making, and strategic planning for government and large organisations.
Life is too short to worry about the hiKKups.
Consulting Services
The strings to our bow
Asset Investment Planning
Proven experience in asset strategy development and delivery including investment decision-making frameworks, maintenance and renewal strategies, condition assessment planning, and data analysis.
We help organisations understand the true state of their asset base and make smart investment decisions backed by data.
From rail networks to health facilities, from school portfolios to emergency services infrastructure—we know how to assess what you have and plan what comes next.
Project Management and Delivery
Program and project management experience across transport, infrastructure, health, and education sectors. We deliver complex, multi-disciplinary projects on time and on budget.
Whether it's coordinating across technical teams, managing government stakeholder relationships, or driving large teams—we bring discipline and focus to project delivery.
Strategic Planning
We look at the bigger picture: the long-term strategy, the political and organisational landscape, the people involved, the possible solutions.
We join the dots between asset condition, service delivery, funding constraints, and strategic direction. Our experience across government agencies means we understand the complexity of public-sector decision-making.
Technical Advisory and Leadership
Technical expertise applied to real-world problems. We bridge the gap between commercial and technical teams, between data and decision-making.
We've worked across mechanical, electrical, civil structures, asset management systems, and organisational strategy—translating complexity into clarity.
Business Case Development
Extensive experience developing business cases for government and private clients. We know how to engage stakeholders, extract critical data, and build a compelling case backed by analysis.
From major transport projects to energy regulation to school infrastructure—we've done the work.
Gateway Reviews
OGC Gateway™ certified reviewer providing independent assurance reviews of infrastructure, health, and education projects. We assess project development, delivery confidence, risk management, and readiness across project lifecycle stages.
As both review team lead and team member, we've conducted independent assurance across government agencies in NSW and South Australia, identifying risks and recommending improvements for large-scale infrastructure investments.
