Australia Post has lost an original Indigenous artwork valued at $4,000 by Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyul Nyul and Yawuru artist Bobbi Lockyer.
Ms Lockyer said she sent the A2-sized artwork by registered Express Post before Christmas to a client who commissioned the original piece.
"I followed the packaging instructions I was given by Australia Post, to put the sealed tube containing the artwork into a rectangular cardboard sleeve. The collector opened an empty cardboard sleeve on Christmas Eve, no tube, no artwork. I'm devastated."
The painting, Saltwater, is representative of Port Hedland where the Noosa-based client used to live, and it's where Ms Lockyer grew up.
Now based in Darwin, the mother-of-four is calling for Australia Post to be accountable and change their policy regarding the postage of tubes.
Australia Post parcels are covered by insurance up to $100. Ms Lockyer didn't opt for additional insurance.
"I've never had this problem before and I would've sent over 500 pieces of art via Australia Post in the past," the 39-year-old artist said.
"It's not about the money, or insurance, it's a one-of-a-kind work that can't be replaced.
"It's a flawed design, the cardboard sleeves are useless, but Australia Posts insists on using them, they say to stop tubes from rolling around."
While Australia Post couldn't confirm at the time of writing, research points to the introduction of cardboard sleeves in September 2024. Ms Lockyer said she has only had to use them twice before.
"My focus is ensuring my client is happy, I've told them I can refund them or paint it again. But what I want is the painting to be found," she said.
"I spent over 100 hours on this piece, and I didn't scan it because it was a one-off commission, I only have photos of it.
Australia Post has a workforce of 65,000 and delivers nine million parcels each week.
"Australia Post's processing and delivery teams work hard to handle every item with care and deliver them safely, however in a network of this size, things do occasionally go wrong," a spokesperson said.
"We have apologised to the customer and continue to search for the item throughout our network."
Australia Post said the case is still under investigation and they are continuing to look for the unmarked tube.
A spokesperson for Australia Post said customers are encouraged to take extra insurance when posting high value items.
"This has made me rethink how I'll be sending my artwork to clients in the future," Ms Lockyer said.
Ms Lockyer has been creating art 'that feels like sunshine' commercially for 13 years. She also has a fashion label and runs art workshops. 'Bobbi Lockyer Shop and Gallery' will open next month on Mitchell Street in Darwin.
