A $4,000 painting by Indigenous artist Bobbi Lockyer has been reported missing after Australia Post delivered an empty package to its intended recipient. The custom artwork, created over 100 hours, was sent via express post and was intended as a Christmas gift.
The Incident
The painting, depicting an ocean scene on Karriyarra Country in Port Hedland, was dispatched by Ms. Lockyer, a Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul, and Yawuru woman. The package was sent with tracking to a client in Queensland. On Christmas Eve, the client received an empty cardboard tube.
Ms. Lockyer stated that Australia Post staff at a Darwin post office instructed her on using a specific sleeve for packaging postal tubes, which was described as a new addition designed to stabilize tubes during transit. She also stated that the painting had been packed and labeled by an Australia Post staff member.
Artist's Background
Bobbi Lockyer is an internationally recognized artist and fashion designer. Her work has been featured at events such as the Australian Open and New York Fashion Week, and she was named NAIDOC Artist of the Year in 2021. Ms. Lockyer operates an art business with global shipments and stated that this was the first instance of a lost item.
Complaint and Investigation Process
Following the delivery of the empty package, both Ms. Lockyer and the client filed complaints with Australia Post. The client's case was reportedly closed by Australia Post, which cited improper packaging as the reason.
Ms. Lockyer continued to pursue the matter, providing invoices to substantiate the painting's value. She reported receiving what she described as standardized responses and stated that Australia Post attributed fault to the sender for incorrect packaging. Ms. Lockyer also stated that her case had been repeatedly closed, with Australia Post indicating no compensation could be offered at that time. She requested information on route tracking and a lost and found department but reported receiving no evidence of tracking or answers regarding a lost and found.
Australia Post's Response
An Australia Post spokesperson confirmed that an apology had been issued to the customer and stated that efforts to locate the item within their network are ongoing. The spokesperson acknowledged that incidents can occur within a network of their size, despite processing and delivery teams aiming to handle items with care. Australia Post policies indicate that general services typically cover items valued up to $100, and they recommend additional insurance or appropriate delivery services for items of significant financial value.