David Maxwell, director of Woodside's gas business unit, raised a few eyebrows last night when he ventured into the heart of Australia's gold and nickel country to accept the Digger of the Year award from Brian Hurley, chairman of the Diggers & Dealers mining forum.

Hurley told the 1200 delegates the forum had not been influenced by the oil industry in the past but the oil and gas sector was a substantial proportion of the resources industry and the award reflected the broad nature of the industry.

Woodside was recognised for the major new contracts in China and other regions announced in 2003, and major capital upgrades including the fourth train.

"Its influence in Western Australia as a consumer and employer is enormous," Hurley said.