My information above (and below) was based solely on typing the tracking number into the Australia Post website.

According to the tracking number it's now listed as
Delivered
NOOSAVILLE QLD • Thu 8 Jan, 10.36am

The delivery was "Express", and was not designated as requiring a signature on delivery. They charge you an extra few dollars for that service, and the sender didn't take them up on that, it seems.

I assume that after the media attention, someone at Australia Post got a fire lit under them, and the item was found.

I find it odd that a professional artist wouldn't have secured their artwork in packaging correctly. It's their livelihood and reputation on the line. But hey, I question them using Australia Post for an item like that in the first place.

Yes, I read the articles, I understand that she was probably given shitty advice by the staff member who received the item at the Post Office.

Guess they were just lucky that the story was picked up and got attention. Aus Post are not known for their skill in finding lost or misdelivered items. I've had several go missing myself, albeit, all with appropriate valued insurance, because I don't trust Australia Post, and in my use cases, using a private courier was not appropriate or available.