Central and Lower Mountains (CaLM) Uniting Church was formed officially on 1 July 2025 and was launched on 23 November 2025.

CaLM is the culmination of several years of prayerful discussions and foundational work between the former congregations of Blaxland, Springwood and Hazelbrook Uniting Churches.

All three churches have a strong history in the lower and central Blue Mountains and believe the strength and possibilities of a unified church across this region is the movement of God for their worship communities.

Meet Our Ministry Team

Rev. Adrian Buggs

Adrian is the Ministry Team Leader of CaLM.

Adrian joined us in October 2024 in the final stages of Blaxland, Springwood and Hazelbrook churches becoming CaLM.

Adrian entered the ministry in 2008. He completed his Bachelor of Theology at Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC) in 2011 and a subsequent Master of Arts (Ministry). Prior to entering the Ministry Adrian worked in the Banking and Finance Industry.

Adrian has served in a variety of places including the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Kununurra in the East Kimberley, Karratha in the Pilbara, the Western Suburbs of Sydney and in the Blue Mountains since 2019. He has also ministered as a spiritual advisor in the Australian Army and delivered courses at Parklea Prison.

Adrian loves seeing people encounter God through the scriptures and be impacted by the good news of Jesus. In his spare time he loves hanging out with his family in God's creation and roasting coffee. He also enjoys bushwalking, kayaking, boating, fishing, golf and occasionally creating artworks with pastels and pencils.

Rev. Leigh Gardiner

Leigh is the Minister - Fresh Expressions of CaLM.

Leigh began with us in 2016 sharing the role of Minister of our Springwood worship community with her husband Graeme. They met and married whilst ministering in separate settings in the Central West of NSW and shared the role of Minister until July 2022 when Graeme retired.

In April 2024 Leigh began focussing on our Fresh Expressions activities and ministries. Leigh loves the Blue Mountains and enjoys spending time bushwalking and, occasionally, kayaking. They also enjoy music, theatre and good coffee. Leigh is a volunteer with WIRES and thus she often has wildlife (particularly birds) in care. Leigh loves exploring scripture, faith and spirituality. Despite 'retiring' Graeme continues to offer his preaching, ministry and woodworking gifts in various ways.