Cheryl has 30 years of experience in the national security sector, including roles in Army intelligence and Defence capability. As the Director of Preparedness and Mobilisation, Cheryl led initiatives related to climate change and energy sustainability. She also commissioned the first review of Defence mobilisation since Vietnam, which included supporting studies on global supply chains and cyberwar. 

Since leaving Defence in 2020, Cheryl has worked with various organisations on climate change, security and resilience. Cheryl Durrant is currently an executive member of the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group and a member of the Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change.