Aboriginal artist Bobbi Lockyer reacts after Australia Post delivered an empty package instead of her $4,000 artwork.
A well-known Aboriginal artist from Western Australia has spoken out after a valuable artwork was lost in the mail just days before Christmas. Bobbi Lockyer says she was left shocked and upset when Australia Post delivered an empty package to her customer, despite the painting being worth thousands of dollars and carefully prepared for delivery.
The incident has raised concerns about handling valuable artwork and the level of responsibility taken when items go missing. For Lockyer, the loss was not only financial but deeply personal.
A Special Commission Meant for Christmas
Bobbi Lockyer, a Karriyarra and Yawuru artist and fashion designer, had completed a custom painting for a collector living in Queensland. The buyer had admired Lockyer’s work for a long time and was excited to finally own an original piece.
Lockyer said the painting was finished with care and sent off in time to arrive as a Christmas gift. Everything seemed to be on track until Christmas Eve, when the buyer contacted her with worrying news.
Instead of receiving the artwork, the customer received an empty cardboard sleeve. The tube that should have contained the painting was missing, leaving both the artist and the buyer confused and distressed.
A Shocking Discovery
Lockyer said the moment she found out the painting was missing was devastating. She explained that the tube was fitted with a cardboard sleeve, which she was told was a new method used by Australia Post to stop parcels from rolling during transport.
At the time, she found the explanation unusual but trusted the advice. She had agreed to send the painting that way, believing it would arrive safely.
When she learned the artwork was gone, the emotional impact was immediate. Lockyer said she broke down in tears and felt completely crushed by the loss.
Emotional Toll on the Aboriginal Artist
The artist said she went straight to her local post office to report the issue and lodge a formal case. The experience left her questioning whether she ever wanted to send another painting again.
Lockyer has been running her own art business for years and has shipped artworks across Australia and overseas without problems. This was the first time something like this had happened.
The emotional toll was heavy, not just because of the money involved, but because of the meaning behind the artwork.
A Disappointing Response
Lockyer said Australia Post’s response added to her frustration. She described the initial replies as generic and impersonal. According to her, the messages suggested the issue was caused by incorrect packaging, placing the blame on her.
This came as a shock because she said the painting was packed and labelled at a Darwin post office by an Australia Post staff member. She believed she had followed all instructions correctly.
An apology only came after Lockyer shared her experience on social media. Her post was shared more than 200 times and received hundreds of comments from people offering support and sharing similar experiences.
Australia Post Responds
In a statement, an Australia Post spokesperson said staff worked hard to handle items carefully and ensure safe delivery. The spokesperson acknowledged that issues can occur within a large delivery network.
Australia Post said it had apologised to the customer and was continuing to search for the missing painting. The company also reminded businesses sending high-value items to choose appropriate insurance and delivery options.
However, Lockyer said this response did not go far enough. She believes the system used to package the painting played a role in its disappearance.
More Than Just a Painting
What made the loss even harder was the deep personal connection tied to the artwork. Lockyer said the painting represented her home in Port Hedland on Karriyarra Country.
The buyer also had a strong link to the area, having lived in the Pilbara region in the past. They wanted the painting as a reminder of their time there and as a meaningful keepsake.
Because the artwork was custom-made, it cannot be replaced. Lockyer said this made the loss even more painful for both her and the buyer.
Calls for Greater Accountability
Lockyer said she wants Australia Post to take more responsibility when things go wrong. She questioned the use of the cardboard sleeve and said she did not understand why it was needed, especially if it was not properly secured.
She believes changes need to be made to protect valuable and irreplaceable items, particularly artworks that carry cultural and emotional importance.
For Lockyer, the incident has left lasting disappointment. While she remains proud of her work and her career, the experience has shaken her confidence in sending important pieces through the postal system.
The artist hopes that sharing her story will lead to better practices and prevent similar losses in the future.
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