The gallery, which is less than two years old, was a finalist at the awards on Saturday night. They said they want to go back next year and take the gold after winning runner up in the cultural tourism section for the Outback NSW.

As a finalist they will also be entered into the NSW tourism awards to be held in Sydney in November.

Owner Wendy Hornsby said she got "quite emotional" when their name was announced.

"Lloyd's face just lit up like a beacon. It's just pride," she said.

"I'm 70s, he's 72. I remember when I filled out the risk analysis. I put down age.

"(We're just) a couple of oldies giving it a go, surely some of those young ones could do it better than us!"

The Australian Celtic Festival was a finalist last year, but was pipped at the post by the Parkes Elvis Festival and the Canowindra Balloon Challenge in the regional and outback prize.

Ms Hornsby said being entered into the regional awards had driven an increase in tourist numbers at the gallery. Normally 30 per cent of their patrons are tourists with 70 per cent local; it's flipped since their entry.

She said the award organisers had provided some helpful feedback she will use when the gallery re-enters next year. She encourages other local tourist attractions to join her in a "Glen Innes brand".

The biggest barrier is just the "insane" amount of paperwork, which took Wendy weeks to complete.

"With a bit of help and mentoring from what I've learned I think we could have a better shot at it next year," she said.

"This tells you how to get better at what to do.

"It makes you think about how I can do better next year - I love that. You're always looking for ways of increasing your business making it better and giving it a little edge.

"I think every business should do that, and I hadn't consciously thought about that when I did the application."

Ultimately she thinks all tourism businesses can team up to smash the competition.

"We're not competing, we want the town to succeed."

Gawura, which was entered under their business name Yuinart, came second to the Old Dubbo Jail. Wendy Hornsby says she's aiming for first place at the state-wide awards in November.